Taiwan shuts down and grounds flights ahead of Typhoon Champi

Almost all of Taiwan shut down today as flights were grounded ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi. 

Champi was packing gusts of about 191km/h near its centre, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The storm was about 220 kilometres east of Taiwan, the CWA said. 

The storm's forecast track shows it will pass just off north-eastern Taiwan, turn north toward the Chinese coast and eventually move into southern Japan.

One person was killed and 171 were injured in Taiwan, where the government said 2,639 people had been evacuated from mountainous areas. 

Landfall could not be ruled out, forecaster says

Taipower said more than 77,000 homes had lost power, though electricity had already been restored to most.

The transport ministry said all 262 domestic flights were cancelled for Friday, along with 717 international ones. 

Landfall could not be ruled out if it "stalls, loops, or wobbles from side to side" on approach to Taiwan, CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng said. 

"The storm's wind radius is quite large, among the bigger ones in recent years," Mr Liu said. 

"If the storm slows down, the strong winds will affect Taiwan for longer."

Coastal towns received mobile phone alerts warning of gusts exceeding 150km/h and urging residents to seek immediate shelter.

In the north-eastern county of Yilan, where strong winds and heavy showers were intensifying, the typhoon was forecast to pass close by. 

"When necessary, the military will come in to help people, including using amphibious vehicles for evacuations or disaster relief," said Lee Ming-chen, head of the port town of Suao.

Boat owners in the northern port city of Keelung hurried to secure their vessels.

Typhoon Champi large enough to cover most of Taiwan

Taiwan forecasters said the storm's radius was about 320 kilometres, large enough to cover most of Taiwan.

The world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC 2330.TW, said operations remained normal with no significant impact.

There were squally showers in the capital Taipei, but public transport including the subway was working, albeit with reduced service.

Taiwan is generally very well prepared for typhoons, which keeps casualties low.

Reuters/AP