At last analysis, a 960mb typhoon with sustained winds of 75 knts (analagous to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale) was located a few hundred miles west of Taiwan in the Western Pacific. The Japanese Meteorological Agency forecasts some strengthening, as the storm encounters warm surface waters and little wind shear. The storm is forecasted to attain sustained wind speeds of 90 knts and a drop in pressure to 925mb before possibly hitting northern parts of the Taiwan island. This would make Morakot a dangerous strong Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

James Reynolds of typhoonfury.com is flying out to Taiwan to intercept this powerful storm! Stay tuned for upcoming details!