Taipei: The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a sea warning for Typhoon Bavi at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, highlighting the increased dangers anticipated in eastern regions and the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan.

According to Focus Taiwan, Typhoon Bavi is forecasted to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas to Taiwan on Friday and Saturday. The most significant rainfall is expected in mountainous areas, with sustained winds reaching up to Beaufort scale 12 in northern Taiwan and the offshore islands. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, the typhoon was located approximately 920 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan, maintaining a storm radius of around 380 kilometers.

The typhoon is advancing in a north-northeastern direction at 20 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 184 kph. The CWA indicated that the storm's outer rainbands will begin affecting Taiwan on Friday, reaching land by Friday evening. By Saturday noon, the 10-level wind radius is projected to cover all of northern Taiwan, as stated by CWA head Lu Kuo-chen during a weekly Cabinet news conference.

Rainfall is anticipated to intensify on Friday, peaking on Saturday. Mountainous regions could experience short-duration rain ranging from 600 to 900 millimeters, while low-lying areas might encounter prolonged heavy rain, posing risks of flooding and landslides. Authorities have warned that waves could exceed 6 meters along parts of Taiwan's northern, western, and eastern coasts on Saturday, with even higher waves near the typhoon's center. Sustained winds could surpass Beaufort scale 12, with stronger gusts possible in exposed areas.

Powerful winds are expected on Saturday, coinciding with the typhoon's closest proximity to Taiwan, with Beaufort scale 14 gusts predicted in coastal areas of the north. The CWA plans to issue a land warning for the storm later Thursday afternoon.

Although the typhoon's impact is expected to diminish by Saturday night, the outlying Matsu Islands may experience the strongest effects on Saturday and Sunday. Premier Cho Jung-tai, during a weekly Cabinet meeting, urged government agencies and local authorities to stay vigilant, emphasizing that Friday and Saturday will be the peak impact days for Taiwan.

In preparation, the government has conducted disaster preparedness meetings with all 22 local governments and rescheduled the university Advanced Subjects Test from July 11-12 to July 13-14 to safeguard students and staff. The Ministry of National Defense has put 28,922 troops on standby, along with 24 helicopters, 3,355 military rescue vehicles and vessels, and 2,664 water pumps pre-positioned nationwide, according to Feng Chun-yi, deputy director-general at the National Fire Agency.

Cho also noted that officials are closely monitoring a landslide-dammed barrier lake in Hualien County's Wanli River basin, where heavy rainfall could trigger overflow. Local authorities have been instructed to review evacuation plans, shelters, and warning systems.