TAIPEI, TAIWAN — October 22, 2026. Taiwan has issued a land warning for Typhoon Champi as the powerful storm approaches the island, bringing the threat of torrential rainfall, destructive coastal waves and dangerous winds. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) warned that the storm’s effects are expected to intensify on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, even if its center remains offshore.
The warning comes as authorities prepare for disruptions to transportation, coastal activities and daily life. Videos circulating online show towering waves breaking along shorelines and severe weather affecting roads and coastal communities, although the precise locations and recording dates of the footage have not been independently authenticated.
TAIWAN ISSUES OFFICIAL LAND AND SEA WARNINGS
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued both maritime and land typhoon warnings on October 22 as Champi moved closer to the region.
The warnings cover areas exposed to the storm’s powerful circulation, including coastal waters and regions vulnerable to heavy rainfall and damaging winds.
Authorities urged residents to monitor official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel in hazardous areas and prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.
HOW POWERFUL IS TYPHOON CHAMPI?
Champi developed into one of the strongest typhoons in the western Pacific during the 2026 season.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported maximum sustained winds of approximately 198 kilometers per hour near the storm’s center early Thursday, with gusts potentially reaching 270 kilometers per hour.
Although Champi is forecast to weaken as it approaches Taiwan, its broad wind field remains capable of producing dangerous conditions well beyond the storm’s center.
The storm’s intensity and projected track may change as updated meteorological observations become available.
HEAVY RAINFALL THREATENS NORTHERN AND EASTERN TAIWAN
The CWA expects the most significant rainfall between Friday and Saturday, particularly in northern Taiwan and the eastern counties of Yilan and Hualien.
Some mountainous areas could receive up to 1,000 millimeters of rainfall, raising concerns about flash flooding, landslides and rapidly rising waterways.
Heavy rainfall can also affect roads, bridges and communities near steep terrain, even when the center of a typhoon does not make landfall.
HUGE WAVES CREATE DANGEROUS COASTAL CONDITIONS
Taiwanese authorities have warned of waves exceeding six meters along exposed coastlines, particularly in eastern and northeastern areas.
Strong swells and powerful currents can threaten people near beaches, fishing ports, seawalls and coastal observation points.
Residents and visitors have been advised to avoid shorelines and suspend recreational water activities while the warnings remain in effect.
FLIGHTS CANCELED AS AUTHORITIES PREPARE FOR DISRUPTIONS
Typhoon Champi has already disrupted transportation in Taiwan.
Reuters reported that 125 domestic flights were canceled as authorities prepared for the storm’s arrival. Officials also issued safety advisories affecting coastal and mountainous areas.
President Lai Ching-te urged residents to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary exposure to hazardous weather.
At the time of the report, authorities had not announced civilian evacuations associated with the approaching storm.
TYPHOON COULD PASS NORTHEAST OF TAIWAN
Current forecasts indicate that Champi may pass near Taiwan’s northeastern coast without making a direct landfall on the main island.
However, the storm’s large circulation means that heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous waves could affect a substantial portion of the territory.
The Japan Meteorological Agency projects that the system will gradually turn north and later northeast, potentially affecting waters near southern Japan.
Forecast uncertainty remains, particularly regarding the storm’s closest approach and the intensity of rainfall over mountainous areas.
JAPAN ALSO PREPARES FOR CHAMPI’S APPROACH
The typhoon is also affecting preparations in Japan, where more than 100 domestic flights have reportedly been canceled.
Champi has disrupted aspects of the Keen Sword military exercise involving the United States, Japan and other participating nations, prompting adjustments to planned activities.
Japanese authorities continue monitoring the storm as its projected path moves toward the Ryukyu Islands and surrounding waters.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Taiwan’s most hazardous weather is expected from October 23 through October 24, with the possibility of intense rainfall, coastal flooding and travel disruptions.
Residents should follow updates from the Central Weather Administration and local emergency management agencies, particularly regarding school schedules, transportation and evacuation instructions.
Although Champi is forecast to move away from Taiwan afterward, dangerous coastal conditions and localized flooding could persist beyond its closest approach.
The final impact will depend on the typhoon’s trajectory, intensity and interaction with regional weather systems.
