Observers warn Ragasa could be a “disaster-causing typhoon”
KAOHSIUNG — Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th storm of the season, formed late Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, and was located about 1,370 kilometers east-southeast of Pingtung County’s Eluanbi at 2 a.m. Friday. Weather experts say the storm is expected to strengthen into at least a medium to strong typhoon as it moves steadily west-northwest toward China’s southern coast.
Current projections indicate the storm will come closest to Taiwan between Sept. 22 and 23, bringing the heaviest wind, rain, and waves. Observers warned that Ragasa could be a “disaster-causing typhoon” and urged residents to step up precautions.
Forecast models for Ragasa suggest the storm could reach a radius of 250 kilometers for gale-force winds and 80 kilometers for hurricane-force winds, making it a large and powerful system. If a Pacific high-pressure system extends farther west, Ragasamay track south of the Bashi Channel; if not, the storm could veer north, passing through the northern Bashi Channel or skirting close to Taiwan’s southern or southeastern coast.
