Typhoon Goni Threatens Taiwan, South Korea and Japan

Typhoon Goni is still churning through the western Pacific Ocean. It has already brought considerable damage to the Philippines and is now lashing through some areas in Taiwan. It could also affect Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa this weekend. Then, it will head north-northeast and could pass near or through the Korean Peninsula. Still, there's no knowing Goni's path or its intensity within the next few days.

Another typhoon, Atsani, has also been observed in the northeast with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. While it has been identified as Category 5 on Wednesday, making it equivalent to a super typhoon, it's expected to continue weakening.

Despite Typhoon Goni raging offshore, it has claimed seven lives due to landslides, strong river current, tornado and falling trees in the Philippines. Flash flooding and mudslides are the biggest issues in Luzon and mountainous areas. And while strong winds and heavy rains that come with Goni's center will move northward, western Luzon will still experience tropical rains in the weekend until next week.

This weekend, the typhoon's next course is east of Taiwan and its strength will fluctuate between a weak Category 3 and strong Category 2 hurricane. While it won't make landfall, it will still pass through the coastline as it approaches the island, tracking between 160 and 240 km with a gustiness of 80-115 kph. On the other hand, the northern areas of Taiwan will experience wind gusts of 65-95 kph.

The worst of Typhoon Goni's damage will move to northern Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Northern Taiwan might not feel much of Goni's raging winds and rains, but Ryukyu Islands won't be spared. Miyako and Yaeyama islands are in Goni's current path, putting these areas in great risk because of 160-kph winds, up to 250-mm rainfall and surging surf.

The typhoon will lose its strength as it passes across the western parts of mainland Japan and South Korea within the next two days. However, it will bring strong winds and torrential rains again on Monday night until Tuesday. Then, it will weaken into a tropical storm as it passes through the Sea of Japan in the middle of the week.

Some areas at risk for heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding are Shikoku, southwest Honshu and Kyushu islands in Japan as well as the southern and eastern regions of South Korea.

As Goni approaches onshore, seas will build and swell while spreading because of Typhoon Atsani. It could turn into a strong storm surge close to and south of Goni's path. However, it will deteriorate quickly while moving to northeastern China and farther southeastern Russia on Thursday or Friday. There could be local flooding, but strong winds won't be a problem anymore.