Hurricane update - 3 October

Typhoon Krosa is rapidly gaining strength, and is currently a category 4 typhoon. Tomorrow it will be a top-rate category 5 system. It has northern Taiwan in its crosshairs. At the moment, force 11 winds are likely in the capital Taipei, but any southward diversion will bring the centre closer to land and consequently stronger winds. To give an indication what a category 5 typhoon / hurricane means:

Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 km/hr). Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.