Typhoon Megi is set to make landfall in mainland China by midweek. The typhoon is gaining strength and is likely to pose a serious threat to Taiwan and eastern China.

Megi turned from a tropical storm to a typhoon on Saturday afternoon. This is the 17^th storm of the typhoon season in the Pacific and the third storm of the month.

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According to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), a sea warning for the typhoon may be issued on Sunday night. A land warning is also likely to be announced on Monday. China Post reported that as of 8 p.m. on Saturday, the typhoon was located 1,440 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip. It is moving towards the west-north direction at a speed of 27kph.

Typhoon Megi unleashed winds at 119kph while its gusts were up to 155kph in speed. The typhoon was recorded to have a 150km-radius on Saturday morning. However, it has reportedly increased to 180km. Megi is likely to hit open waters of the North Philippine Sea on Sunday, posing a risk to ships.

Accuweather meteorologist Adam Douty said that the typhoon is expected to gain strength on Monday. However, it is likely to get worse from Monday night onwards. Megi will have the strength of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane when it reaches Taiwan. As the island has already been hit by Super Typhoon Meranti and Typhoon Malakas recently, Megi may cause flooding in the area.

The typhoon will make way to eastern China by Tuesday night or Wednesday. 

Tagschina, Taiwan, Typhoon Megi, Typhoon Meranti