As Typhoon Kong-rey closes in on Taiwan, the storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains have disrupted both air and rail traffic, leaving thousands stranded and forcing officials to cancel hundreds of scheduled services. The typhoon, one of the strongest of the season, is anticipated to make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast on Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to enforce precautionary measures that impact public transport systems and emergency services across the island.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the nation’s busiest hub, experienced significant disruption early Thursday morning as Typhoon Kong-rey neared the coast. At least 241 passenger and cargo flights were canceled, according to the Taoyuan International Airport Corporation (TIAC), with nearly equal cancellations of inbound and outbound flights. The affected flights include both domestic routes and major international connections.
By 9:30 a.m., TIAC reported that 109 inbound flights, 103 outbound flights, and 29 cargo flights had been suspended. Additional cancellations may follow, depending on the trajectory and impact of the typhoon later in the day. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines directly, as schedules may continue to shift with weather updates.
A spokesperson from the airport said, “We have prioritized the safety of passengers and staff, and as the typhoon’s effects escalate, we are maintaining close communication with airlines. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and contact customer support channels for alternative arrangements.”
Alongside the air travel disruptions, Taiwan’s rail system has also been affected, with both regular train lines and high-speed rail services taking extensive precautions. Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC) announced the cancellation of express train services on several major routes, including the Western Trunk Line, Eastern Trunk Line, and South-Link Line, affecting travelers who rely on these popular lines for daily and long-distance commutes.
To reduce passenger volume and ensure safety, TRC will operate a limited number of commuter trains between Keelung and Changhua on Thursday morning. However, the company has announced that all services after noon will be suspended. “The intensity of the storm remains unpredictable, and we must prioritize the safety of our passengers and employees. We encourage travelers to seek alternative transport options and avoid unnecessary journeys today,” said a TRC official.
In addition to regular rail service, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) has implemented several modifications to its schedule. High-speed trains are expected to operate every 30 minutes, departing from both northern and southern terminal stations. However, these trains will run on a reservation-free basis in standard cars, with only business-class seats available for booking. THSRC has advised travelers to anticipate delays and increased passenger volume as schedules may shift with updates on Kong-rey’s progression.
In response to the advancing typhoon, Taoyuan Metro Corporation announced the suspension of express and extended service trains on the Taoyuan Airport MRT line. Travelers bound for Taoyuan International Airport will have access to commuter trains that run every 15 minutes. However, pre-flight check-in and baggage handling services at Taipei Main Station and New Taipei Industrial Park Station have been suspended for the day, eliminating an option many travelers rely on to avoid congestion at the airport.
With the heavy rain and high winds expected to increase throughout Thursday, other transit lines and local services may also see adjustments, with city and regional bus services on alert for potential suspension. Road travel has already been impacted by heavy rains and debris, and officials have warned residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for possible power outages.
Typhoon Kong-rey has shown a steady intensification in recent days, with current sustained wind speeds over 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), categorizing it as a strong typhoon. Forecast models suggest the storm will make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast near Hualien and Taitung counties, with the potential to bring 300 to 500 millimeters of rainfall to central and southern areas. Coastal regions are bracing for possible storm surges, while mountainous regions face an elevated risk of landslides.
In response, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) has issued warnings across eastern, southern, and central Taiwan. Local governments in several cities and counties have mobilized emergency response teams, setting up temporary shelters and preparing rescue equipment for potential evacuations in at-risk areas. The Ministry of the Interior has also activated its Disaster Prevention and Response Network, coordinating efforts among various agencies, including fire departments, health services, and social welfare organizations.
The anticipated impact of Typhoon Kong-rey has led local authorities to issue directives for school and office closures in high-risk areas. In particular, cities and townships across the eastern coast and several inland areas have suspended operations for the day, advising citizens to remain indoors and take appropriate precautions.
Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other major urban centers remain on high alert, with several schools and workplaces monitoring conditions to determine whether additional closures will be necessary. Government officials have advised residents to stock up on emergency supplies, including drinking water, flashlights, and medical kits, in preparation for possible utility disruptions.
Historic Wind Speeds Recorded on Taiwan’s Orchid Island as Typhoon Kong-rey Strikes
Chu Mei-lin (朱美霖), a forecaster with the CWA, highlighted the significance of the sustained 213 kph wind reading at a press briefing on Thursday. “This is not merely an isolated incident,” Chu explained, “but a testament to the evolving and increasingly severe nature of typhoons affecting Taiwan. Orchid Island’s exposure to such extreme weather conditions places it on the front lines of climate-related changes in the Pacific region.”
Orchid Island’s weather station has historically documented intense weather events, though this record-breaking wind speed marks a new era for Taiwan’s meteorological history. The island’s remote location and geography make it highly vulnerable to strong typhoons emerging from the Pacific Ocean, giving it a unique role in monitoring climate change indicators in East Asia.
The 213 kph sustained wind speed record on Thursday is remarkable, yet it follows another extreme measurement from last year, when Typhoon Koinu struck the same island. On October 5, 2023, Typhoon Koinu delivered a massive wind gust measuring 343 kph (213 mph) on Orchid Island. According to Chu, this reading was so powerful that it broke the weather station’s anemometer, which had stood operational for 126 years without failing. The gust from Koinu remains the strongest recorded wind speed on Orchid Island.
The measurements recorded from both Typhoon Kong-rey and Typhoon Koinu underscore Orchid Island’s critical role in Taiwan’s meteorological monitoring network. Over the past several years, data from Orchid Island have increasingly shown trends pointing toward higher-intensity storms, which local scientists link to larger global climate patterns.
Typhoon Kong-rey, now officially classified as one of the strongest storms to impact Taiwan in recent years, continued to push westward on Thursday, carrying sustained winds over 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts surpassing 220 kph (137 mph). The CWA issued extensive weather warnings, especially for Orchid Island, where heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides were anticipated.
The highest priority in Orchid Island and nearby regions has been evacuating residents from areas vulnerable to landslides and severe flooding. CWA officials emphasized that the island’s topography, particularly with steep cliffs and limited flat land, makes it particularly susceptible to such hazards. Additionally, the unusually high wind speeds raise concerns about infrastructure resilience, especially in regard to power lines, housing, and transportation networks that could suffer serious damage from sustained exposure to such extreme conditions.
