Taiwan battens down for Super Typhoon Kong-rey

Forecasters warn of possible landslides, flooding

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan was bracing for the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey on Tuesday, with forecasters warning of possible landslides, flooding and power outages. The storm was expected to make landfall in eastern Taiwan late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Storm expected to weaken before landfall

The Central Weather Bureau said Kong-rey was packing sustained winds of 175 kilometers (109 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 220 kph (137 mph). However, the storm was expected to weaken before making landfall.

The bureau issued a sea warning for the entire island and a land warning for 10 counties and cities in the east and north. Schools and businesses in the affected areas were closed on Tuesday, and residents were urged to stay indoors.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding to eastern and northern Taiwan. The bureau warned of possible landslides in mountainous areas.

Taiwan is frequently hit by typhoons during the summer and autumn months. Last year, Typhoon Megi killed four people and caused widespread flooding and power outages in Taiwan.