Typhoon Jangmi Makes Landfall in Taiwan

According to catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide, for the second time this month and the fourth time this year, a severe typhoon has struck Taiwan.

Typhoon Jangmi made landfall as a borderline Category 3/4 storm near the coastal town of Ilan in eastern Taiwan at 3:40 p.m. local time (0740 UTC). Maximum sustained winds at landfall reached 130 mph, with higher gusts.

“Jangmi, which had been a Category 4 typhoon a day earlier had weakened by the time it reached the island,” said Dr. Peter Sousounis, senior research scientist at AIR Worldwide. “According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, maximum recorded rainfall ranged from 605 millimeters (24 inches) to 1073 millimeters (42 inches), depending on location.”

Near the capital of Tapei, trees were uprooted and building scaffolding blown off. Typhoon Jangmi, which means “rose” in Korean, is expected to weaken significantly due to the rugged terrain of Taiwan. According to the Joint Warning Typhoon Center, the storm will likely make a second landfall in Fujian Province, China on Monday evening before changing course toward Japan.

“On average, about two typhoons affect Taiwan each year,” continued Dr. Sousounis. “The high activity in Taiwan this season is related to the strong westward steering and residual La Nina Conditions that have persisted in this part of the world. Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit Taiwan earlier this month, caused extensive flooding, landslides and crop damage. Overall, the tropical cyclone season in the Northwest Pacific in is on track to be less active than average.”

AIR continues to monitor the typhoon and will provide additional information as warranted.