A storm of epic proportions is heading straight towards Taiwan.
Typhoon Soudelor, a storm that has quickly become the strongest storm of the year, is hours away from barreling into the eastern coast of Taiwan. The storm is expected to make landfall at 8 a.m. local time (8 p.m. ET), according to CNN.
The typhoon has had sustained winds of 125 mph, maintain its category three intensity, The Washington Post reported. The storm has weakened gradually since Thursday, but the warm ocean water is giving the storm the ammunition it needs as it nears the coast of Taiwan.
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, has already recorded wind gusts of 50 mph.
Schools and business on the eastern part of Taiwan were closed on Friday despite officials announcing that there would be no mandatory closures, according to USA Today.
Torrential rain and high-speed winds are a major threat for the inhabitants of Taiwan, but the typhoon poses even greater threats long-term. The center of Taiwan is a very mountainous area, allowing for a high risk of landslides. Because of this, the number of deaths and injuries due to this storm is expected to be very high.
The strength of this storm is expected to rapidly decrease after it makes landfall, according to The Washington Post. However, the damage it'll leave in its wake won't be forgotten as quickly.
