Taiwan issues typhoon Wipha warning

Tropical storm Wipha strengthened into a typhoon today, and Taiwanese authorities issued a land warning for it, adding to their existing sea caution.

As of 2pm (7.00am Irish time) Wipha was approaching the island packing winds of 78 miles per hour, the Central Weather Bureau said.

It said the typhoon’s centre was located about 335 miles south-east of coastal Yilan county in northern Taiwan, and cautioned if Wipha maintains its current course, its fringe could affect the island tomorrow afternoon.

The bureau warned the public in northern Taiwan about heavy wind and rain.

Earlier today it cautioned ships travelling through its northern and eastern waters.

Wipha is a Thai female name.