Typhoon Podul Hits Taiwan, Eyes China's Coast

Published on Aug 13, 2025, 6:15 pm CDT

6 min read

Typhoon Podul swept across southern Taiwan on August 13, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain, and widespread transport disruption, before moving into the Taiwan Strait toward China's coast. Authorities reported at least 407 flight cancellations across Taiwanese airports, precautionary evacuations, and targeted rail slowdowns as the core tracked from Taitung to Tainan. Guangdong and Fujian have raised emergency response levels as the system approaches, while Hong Kong remains on standby signal, watching for an upgrade as bands rotate across the Pearl River Delta.

Key Points

Why it matters: Podul is disrupting a major Asia air and rail corridor and could trigger multi-day delays across the Taiwan Strait and the Greater Bay Area.
Travel impact: 407 flights canceled in Taiwan, rail adjustments, and Hong Kong's Signal No. 1 in force, with possible escalation.
What's next: Second strike expected along the Fujian to eastern Guangdong coast late August 13 into early August 14.
Taiwan snapshot: Taipei largely operational; southern counties saw closures and evacuations.
China outlook: Heaviest impacts for Xiamen first, then showers and thunderstorms expanding into Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Snapshot

Podul made landfall near Taitung early afternoon on August 13, then crossed southern Taiwan and exited near Tainan later the same day. Taiwan's transport ministry counted 252 domestic and 155 international cancellations, with the largest impacts at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The Central Weather Administration warned of as much as 24 inches of rain in southern mountains, and more than 5,500 residents were evacuated as a precaution. In Hong Kong, the Observatory hoisted the Standby Signal No. 1 as the storm stayed several hundred kilometers away, cautioning of heat, squally showers, and potential signal changes as the circulation nears the coast.

Background

Taiwan shuttered schools and offices across nine southern and eastern jurisdictions ahead of landfall, concentrating closures in Kaohsiung and Tainan. The island's high-speed rail ran a normal timetable until mid-afternoon, then shifted to an all-stop pattern to keep operations stable through the storm's passage. By late afternoon, the typhoon's center had cleared Taiwan into the Strait. On the mainland, Guangdong and Fujian upgraded emergency response levels, warned of flash-flood and landslide risk after weeks of frequent rain, and advised ports and coastal communities to secure vessels and low-lying areas. Forecasters called for a second landfall between Xiamen and Shantou late August 13 into early August 14.

Latest Developments

Typhoon Podul track and timing for China's coast

China's National Meteorological Center projected Podul to make a second landfall along the Fujian to eastern Guangdong shoreline, most likely between Xiamen and Shantou, late August 13 through early August 14. Emergency managers in both provinces elevated response levels, citing saturated soils and heightened landslide risk. Local media and international agencies reported coastal evacuations in Fujian and Guangdong as a precaution, with fishing fleets recalled to port and storm-surge prone zones monitored for rapid rises.

What is open in Taipei right now

Taipei is largely operational. Reuters reported minimal disruption in the capital, and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) showed several scheduled departures to Tokyo and Seoul proceeding. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) remained open but logged dozens of cancellations as carriers reset rosters. Taiwan High Speed Rail ran normally until 2 p.m., then adopted all-stop, non-reserved service each hour to maintain safe headways while Podul crossed the south. Expect routine city services and attractions to operate, with localized downpours possible. Always reconfirm hours directly with venues.

Airport and city outlook: Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): Periods of heavy rain, crosswinds, and possible runway-flow restrictions as the core passes nearby overnight. Expect cancellations and diversions around the landfall window, and slower turnarounds on August 14. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Squally bands and thunderstorms likely after midnight, with heavier rain and gusts on August 14 as Podul weakens inland. Anticipate weather-related delays rather than a full shutdown. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Increasing showers and embedded thunderstorms August 14, with temperatures dipping as widespread rain spreads across the Pearl River Delta. Plan for schedule padding and rolling delays into the afternoon.

Hong Kong status, signals, and traveler expectations

Hong Kong Observatory has the Standby Signal No. 1 in force, noting Podul's circulation within 800 kilometers and the potential for showers and thunderstorms as heat triggers convection. Authorities cautioned that signal changes are possible depending on the track and intensity trend. Travelers through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) should monitor airline apps for late-night retimes and early-morning metering if bands thicken over the estuary.

Analysis

For travelers, Podul's path matters less than its broad rain shield and airport-ops knock-on effects. Taiwan's single-day cancellations will ripple as aircraft and crews reposition, so expect uneven recovery at Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung, with some residual impact reaching Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). On the mainland, Xiamen's proximity to the forecast landfall zone makes it the highest-risk airport for outright cancellations and diversions, while Shenzhen and Guangzhou are more likely to see flow-control delays tied to lightning, ramp closures, and saturated taxiways. Hong Kong's signal system is a reliable proxy for citywide impacts; if the Observatory upgrades to a higher signal, ferry shutdowns and venue suspensions typically follow. For broader Greater Bay Area context and best practices around signal escalations, see our recent coverage of regional cyclones, including Typhoon Wipha Grounds Flights and Disrupts Asia Travel and Tropical Storm Crising: What Travelers to the Philippines and Hong Kong Need to Know.

Final Thoughts

If you are in Taipei, plan normally but double-check transport, especially intercity rail. If you are flying to or from Xiamen, build a 24-hour buffer, expect cancellations, and watch for rolling rebooks. For Shenzhen and Guangzhou, assume weather delays on August 14, then gradual normalization as Podul weakens inland. In Hong Kong, monitor Observatory bulletins and your airline for any signal-driven timetable changes. Flexible tickets and a patient re-routing strategy remain your best tools to outsmart Typhoon Podul.