Typhoon Champi Is Closing In on Taiwan Right Before a Long Weekend

Typhoon Champi is bearing down on Taiwan, Okinawa and eastern China, forcing airlines to cancel flights and authorities to close workplaces and schools. Work and classes are cancelled today in 20 of Taiwan’s 22 cities and counties, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, and the storm’s center is expected closest tonight or early Saturday.

Japan Airlines and ANA have cancelled more than 110 flights from Thursday to Saturday, mostly domestic services around the Okinawa islands. ANA has grounded all Miyako and Ishigaki flights today, and both carriers are allowing free changes or refunds on affected routes. In Taiwan, China Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan cut Okinawa services, and HK Express cancelled 10 Hong Kong-Taiwan flights.

Forecasters expect up to 900 millimeters of rain in northern and northeastern mountains and waves above 10 meters. Saturday begins a three-day long weekend in Taiwan, and Premier Cho Jung-tai has urged residents to stay away from creeks, beaches and mountain areas. China has opened a level-four flood emergency response for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, with heavy rain forecast through Sunday.

Travelers heading to the region should confirm flight status before leaving for the airport, since carriers say plans may change with the storm’s track. If you are already there, follow local advice, stock up on essentials and expect knock-on delays into early next week as aircraft and crews get back into position.

Sources: Travel Monitor, Aerocorner