Super Typhoon Champi Threatens Taiwan and Eastern China With Destructive Winds and Heavy Rain
Super Typhoon Champi is moving across the western Pacific Ocean toward Taiwan after passing close to Guam, where it damaged homes, ripped off roofs and knocked down trees. The powerful storm reached maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (approximately 298 km/h), tying Typhoon Sinlaku for the strongest tropical cyclone winds recorded worldwide so far this year.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls, Champi is located south of Okinawa and moving west-northwest. The storm is expected to maintain its intensity as it continues along this track.
Taiwan Faces Heavy Rain and Destructive Winds
Super Typhoon Champi is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to Taiwan from Thursday night, October 22, through Saturday, October 24, before affecting east-central China from Friday night, October 23, to Sunday, October 25.
Rainfall totals could reach 18 inches (450 mm), with localized amounts potentially reaching 36 inches (900 mm). Northeastern Taiwan is expected to experience the heaviest rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, structural damage and disruptions to transportation.
Strong winds are also expected to affect Taiwan and eastern China through Sunday. Wind gusts could reach 120 mph (190 km/h), with localized gusts potentially reaching 160 mph (255 km/h). The strongest winds are forecast along Taiwan’s eastern coast, where damage to buildings and prolonged power outages are possible.
Coastal flooding is also a concern in eastern Taiwan as the storm brings powerful winds, heavy rain and elevated coastal water levels.
Guam Suffers Damage After Close Pass
Champi passed within approximately 12 miles of Guam’s southern tip on Sunday. Although the storm’s most intense winds remained largely offshore, the close approach caused damage to homes and brought down trees.
The full extent of the damage in southern Guam had not yet been assessed in the report. The American Red Cross supported 15 shelters across four islands, where more than 1,000 residents sought refuge from the storm.
The storm also added to existing infrastructure challenges in the Mariana Islands. Reports indicated that several communities had lost electricity and water supplies, with as many as 170 wells not operating. Some water systems were still recovering from the effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.
Third Typhoon to Affect the Mariana Islands
Champi is the third typhoon to affect the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in six months. Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck Saipan on April 14, while Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Rota on July 6.
As Champi continues toward Taiwan and eastern China, authorities and residents face the threat of severe rainfall, destructive winds, coastal inundation and widespread disruption. People in the storm’s projected path should follow official weather alerts and emergency instructions.