Last Updated on 2025 年 5 月 22 日 by 総合編集組
Severe Weather Hits Northern Taiwan: Heavy Rain, Hail, and Thunderstorm Alerts for 8 Counties
On the evening of May 22, 2025, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a heavy rain advisory for eight counties, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung, warning of intense thunderstorms, potential hail in the Taipei-New Taipei area, and risks of landslides, rockfalls, and flash floods in mountainous regions.
This sudden weather event disrupted daily life, grounded flights at Taipei Songshan Airport, and challenged commuters during rush hour. Below is a comprehensive summary of the event, its impacts, and practical safety tips for residents and travelers.
Affected Regions and Weather Warnings
The CWA’s heavy rain advisory, issued at 7:20 PM on May 22, 2025, highlighted the vigorous development of convective cloud systems, leading to short-duration but intense rainfall across northern and eastern Taiwan. The advisory categorized regions into two levels of alert:
- Heavy Rain Alert: New Taipei City and Keelung City, where localized torrential rain (exceeding 80 mm in a short period) was expected.
- Rain Alert: Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County (mountainous areas), Yilan County, Hualien County, and Taitung County, with risks of localized heavy rain.
The CWA emphasized associated hazards, including frequent lightning, gusts exceeding Level 9 on the Beaufort scale, and potential hail in Taipei and New Taipei. Residents in mountainous areas were urged to stay vigilant for landslides, rockfalls, and sudden river surges.
Key Note: Heavy rain advisories indicate significant rainfall that can lead to flooding in low-lying areas and dangerous conditions in mountainous regions.
Thunderstorm Alerts and National Warnings
At 7:05 PM, the CWA issued immediate thunderstorm alerts for Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, effective until 8:30–8:45 PM. These alerts warned of:
- Intense Lightning: Frequent strikes posing risks to those in open areas.
- Strong Winds: Gusts capable of toppling trees, power lines, or billboards.
- Hail Risk: Rare in Taiwan, hail was a particular concern in Taipei and New Taipei, threatening pedestrian and vehicle safety.
- Flash Floods and Inundation: Low-lying areas, such as Taipei’s Wanhua and Zhongzheng districts, recorded 20 mm of rain in just 10 minutes, with hourly rainfall potentially exceeding 50 mm.
New Taipei’s districts, including Zhonghe, Yonghe, Xindian, Sanxia, and Tucheng, triggered national disaster alerts due to the severity of the convective weather system. Eyewitnesses reported dramatic scenes, with deafening thunder and vivid lightning illuminating the night sky, creating an almost apocalyptic atmosphere.
Impact on Taipei Songshan Airport
The severe weather forced Taipei Songshan Airport to suspend ground operations from 7:27 PM, resulting in multiple flight delays. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) reported disruptions to both departing and arriving flights, affecting routes to cities like Chongqing and Fuzhou. The CAA ensured that real-time updates were provided through airport announcement boards, digital displays, and broadcasts, urging passengers to check flight statuses via the CAA website or contact their airlines directly.
Flight Disruptions Overview:
- Departures: Flights like China Airlines CA470 (Chongqing, delayed to 8:30 PM) and Xiamen Airlines MF884 (Fuzhou, delayed to 9:15 PM).
- Arrivals: Flights such as Xiamen Airlines MF883 (Fuzhou, delayed to 8:15 PM).
The suspension also impacted connecting flights at other airports, underscoring the widespread effects of the storm.
Challenges in Taipei’s Urban Areas
The timing of the storm coincided with the evening rush hour, exacerbating challenges for commuters in Taipei’s Wanhua, Wenshan, Zhongzheng, and Da’an districts. The Taipei City Disaster Response Center reported significant rainfall, with Wanhua experiencing 20 mm in 10 minutes and projections of up to 50 mm per hour. Social media posts described torrential rain overwhelming umbrellas, flooded streets, and reduced visibility, complicating pedestrian and vehicular travel.
Commuter Tip: During heavy rain, opt for indoor routes, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding, and take extra caution to prevent slips on wet surfaces.
Safety Guidelines for Severe Weather
To help residents and visitors navigate this weather event, the CWA and disaster response units provided critical safety recommendations:
- Avoid Outdoor Exposure: During thunderstorms, stay indoors and avoid open areas, rooftops, pavilions, or isolated trees. If caught outside, crouch low to minimize ground contact and reduce lightning strike risks.
- Drive Cautiously: Wet roads and low visibility require reduced speeds and increased following distances. Strong winds may necessitate traffic authority guidance.
- Hail Precautions: Seek shelter to protect against hail, and avoid parking vehicles under trees or near billboards.
- Steer Clear of Hazardous Areas: Mountainous regions are at risk of landslides, rockfalls, and flash floods—avoid rivers, streams, and low-lying zones.
- Stay Informed: Monitor the CWA website and disaster alert systems for real-time updates.
Experts also advised preparing emergency supplies, such as flashlights, food, and water, and ensuring drainage systems around homes are clear to mitigate flooding risks.
Why Was This Storm So Intense?
The storm’s ferocity stemmed from robust convective cloud systems, typical during Taiwan’s monsoon season in late May. The interaction of warm, moist air with cooler air masses fueled intense thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, particularly in New Taipei and Keelung, trapped these cloud systems, amplifying rainfall in localized areas. The rare occurrence of hail resulted from extreme convective activity, where water droplets froze at high altitudes before falling to the ground, posing risks to infrastructure and agriculture.
Conclusion: Preparedness Is Key
This severe weather event, impacting eight counties including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung, highlighted the unpredictability of Taiwan’s monsoon season. From national disaster alerts to flight disruptions at Songshan Airport, the storm underscored the importance of preparedness and vigilance. Whether you’re a commuter, traveler, or mountain resident, staying informed and following safety guidelines is crucial. With the CWA predicting continued heavy rain into the night, residents are urged to monitor updates and take proactive measures to stay safe.
