Powerful Typhoon Nears Taiwan; Ships, Planes Grounded

ILAN, Taiwan— A powerful typhoon was approaching eastern Taiwan, churning up huge waves and wind Thursday that grounded fishing boats, commercial ships and planes.The fast-moving Typhoon Nepartak, packing maximum sustained winds of 220 kilometers (13...
Powerful Typhoon Nears Taiwan; Ships, Planes Grounded
As fast-moving Typhoon Nepartak makes its way across the Philippines Sea, fishing boats are secured in a port in Ilan County, eastern coast of Taiwan, Thursday, July 7, 2016. Nepartak is expected make landfall early Friday. AP Photo/Johnson Lai
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ILAN, Taiwan—A powerful typhoon was approaching eastern Taiwan, churning up huge waves and wind Thursday that grounded fishing boats, commercial ships and planes.

The fast-moving Typhoon Nepartak, packing maximum sustained winds of 220 kilometers (136 miles) per hour and gusts of 255 kph (158 mph), was blowing over the Philippine Sea with a large rain diameter of 650 kilometers (403 miles), according to the Philippine weather agency.

It is forecast to make landfall Friday morning south of Hualien city in eastern Taiwan. Big waves were already lashing the shore of nearby Ilan port city, where fishermen tightened their boats. Forecasters said waves of 1 to 7 meters (3 to 24 feet) could batter the coast, inland lakes and beachfront areas.

Restaurant owner Chen Mang-ning said he had to put a lock on the rolling door of his establishment to protect the windows from strong wind.

As fast-moving Typhoon Nepartak makes its way across the Philippines Sea, large waves crash against the breakwaters in Ilan County, eastern coast of Taiwan, Thursday, July 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)
As fast-moving Typhoon Nepartak makes its way across the Philippines Sea, large waves crash against the breakwaters in Ilan County, eastern coast of Taiwan, Thursday, July 7, 2016. AP Photo/Johnson Lai