Taipei: Fifteen ferry sailings linking Taiwan proper with its outlying islands and China were suspended Friday as Tropical Storm Noul approached, according to the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB). The storm's impending arrival has caused significant disruptions to transportation, with authorities urging caution to residents and travelers.
According to Focus Taiwan, the MPB confirmed that all four ferry sailings on the Nangan Fuao (Matsu)-Fuzhou Langqi (China) route were suspended. Other affected routes included Beigan Baisha-Fuzhou Huangqi (China), Kinmen-Shijing, Fugang-Lanyu, and Houbihu-Lanyu, each experiencing two sailings suspended while two continued operations. Additionally, two sailings on the Fugang-Ludao route were suspended, although 12 remained operational. One sailing on the Keelung-Matsu route was also suspended.
The bureau advised the public to avoid traveling to the outlying islands during the storm and urged visitors needing to return to Taiwan proper to utilize available daytime ferry services to avoid being stranded. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration reported that as of 10 a.m., one domestic flight had been canceled and two delayed, though international and cross-Taiwan Strait flights were operating normally.
According to the Central Weather Administration, Tropical Storm Noul was located about 400 kilometers south-southeast of Eluanbi as of 11 a.m. Friday, moving west-northwest at 27-22 kilometers per hour. The Highway Bureau stated it was assessing possible traffic controls on five road sections in eastern and southern Taiwan, including sections of provincial highways Nos. 9, 11, 20, 23, and 26. It urged motorists to check the latest road conditions before traveling.
The bureau also advised residents in mountainous areas to prepare sufficient supplies, warning that storm-related road disruptions might take more than a day to repair. It specifically urged seriously ill patients and people with chronic illnesses to consider leaving mountainous areas in advance to ensure their safety during the storm.