TAIPEI, July 17, 2008 (AFP) - Taiwan's weather bureau on Thursday warned of powerful winds and torrential rain as tropical storm Kalmaegi headed towards the island. "The tropical storm's impact is expected to be the strongest tonight and Friday morning as it moves closer to Taiwan," said Wu Teh-rung, director of the bureau's forecast centre. Kalmaegi was 170 kilometres (105 miles) east-northeast of Taitung at 11:30 am (0330 GMT), packing winds of 101 kilometres per hour and moving north-northwest at an hourly speed of 20 kilometres, the bureau said. Residents across the island were urged to take precautions against downpours as the storm gained momentum. Fishing boats on the Bashih Channel and waters northeast were asked to heighten vigilance.
aw/hhy/skj