Typhoon Approaches Taiwan: “Destructive Winds”

 

TT-AFP

 

Published 11:44Updated 12:17

  

A satellite image from the US weather agency NOAA shows Typhoon Bavi near the US territory of Guam on July 5. Photo: NOAA via AP/TT

Taiwan warns of devastating storm winds as the largest typhoon in years approaches land.

Typhoon Bavi is whipping up waves several meters high as it moves across the sea. On Friday, the winds are expected to reach northern Taiwan and likely cause damage, according to the country’s meteorological agency.

In Taipei, residents are preparing by tying up boats and placing sandbags in front of store entrances. Ferry departures and flights have been canceled.

The southern Japanese islands just north of Taiwan are also expected to be affected. Schools and grocery stores there will be closed on Friday.

After Taiwan and the Japanese islands, Bavi is expected to reach China's east coast this weekend. The country has not yet recovered from the deadly storm that killed about 40 people this week in landslides and floods.

The Korean peninsula is also warned of heavy rain in the coming days.