August 12, 2025 – Taipei
The Central Weather Agency (CWA) announced that Typhoon Podul is projected to make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast tomorrow, with sea and land typhoon warnings scheduled for issuance at 2:30 p.m. today.
Based on the latest wind and rain forecast released at 1 p.m., several counties and cities are likely to meet the thresholds for work and class suspensions. These include the mountainous regions of Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hualien County, and Taitung County, as well as Orchid Island and Green Island in Taitung.
Forecast data shows that within the next 24 hours, rainfall in the mountainous areas of Chiayi County, Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Taitung is expected to reach levels that warrant suspension under national guidelines. In addition, wind speeds in Pingtung, Hualien, Taitung, and the offshore islands are anticipated to meet the official criteria for cancellations.
Under Taiwan’s Regulations on Suspension of Work and School Due to Natural Disasters, local authorities may declare closures if a typhoon’s gale radius is predicted to affect an area within four hours, bringing sustained winds of force 7 or higher or gusts of force 10 or above. Work and class suspensions may also be considered if rainfall within 24 hours is forecast to reach at least 200 mm in mountainous areas or 350 mm in plains, with some regions applying the same 350 mm threshold for both. The decision ultimately rests with individual county and city governments, factoring in disaster risks and on-ground conditions.
Officials are urging residents in potentially affected areas to stay updated on advisories and prepare for possible disruptions starting tomorrow.
