Taiwan shuts down as Typhoon Champi approaches

Virtually all operations across Taiwan halted on Friday, 23 October 2026, as Typhoon Champi drew closer to the area. Reports indicate that the severe weather event is losing strength and will likely avoid a direct landfall on the territory. Even so, authorities anticipate severe downpours and powerful gusts across the region as conditions deteriorate throughout the day. The Central Weather Administration stated that the storm possessed a radius of approximately 320 km (200 miles). This vast expanse is large enough to stretch across the majority of Taiwan. Weather specialists warned that the disruption caused by the approaching system may extend for almost two full days before conditions eventually begin to improve. Photographs from northern areas such as Keelung captured high waves crashing ashore on Thursday, 22 October 2026, as the weather system first made its presence felt. Officials continue to monitor the trajectory of the storm closely while emergency measures remain active across the affected territories.