Taiwan braced for strong winds and torrential rains Monday when Typhoon Kaemi was due to swipe the island, the Central Weather Bureau said.
The bureau warned the typhoon had picked up speed as it bears down on Taiwan's southeast, and urged residents to take precautions.
"The typhoon has gained momentum. Residents in the east should especially heighten their vigilance," Lu Kuo-chen, an official at the bureau, told reporters.
Those living in the east were urged to stay away from low-lying areas prone to flooding and to avoid beaches. Residents in mountainous regions were told to watch out for mudslides.
The bureau warned of torrential rain and strong winds from Kaemi, whose fringe hit the southeastern Taitung county at 0700 GMT.
Airlines cancelled flights to the east and domestic flights would also be called off Tuesday, the aviation authorities said.
Shipping companies suspended traffic between Taitung and the two popular scenic spots of Green and Orchid islands.
Fishermen sought shelter in harbours as the weather bureau warned that powerful winds could whip up high waves.
Kaemi had a radius of 200 kilometres with winds of up to 137 kilometres per hour at its centre, the weather bureau said.
Taiwan was recently hit by another storm, Bilis, which left three dead and two injured after pounding the island July 13.
