Tropical Storm Lekima land warning likely late Wednesday

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/08/06
By: Wang Su-fen, Ku Chuang and Joseph Yeh

Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) A land warning for Tropical Storm Lekima, which is heading toward northeastern Taiwan and poses a threat to much of the country, could be issued late Wednesday or early Thursday, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) said Tuesday, urging residents in northern and eastern parts of the island to be alert.

Lekima, packing maximum sustained winds of 108 kilometers per hour with gusts of up to 136 kph, was located about 840 km east-southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to the CWB.

The storm is continuing to strengthen as it approaches Taiwan, forecasters said, adding that a sea warning is likely to be issued at around noon Wednesday, followed later by the land warning.

Northern and eastern Taiwan could begin to experience sporadic showers late Wednesday, followed by more intense rainfall, according to the bureau. Lekima is expected to be closest to Taiwan between Thursday and Friday, it added.    [FULL  STORY]