Flights Cancelled in Taiwan Amid Hurricane

Taiwan prepared for Hurricane Jamie on Wednesday by closing financial markets, halting work, and canceling flights.

The military was put on high alert as heavy rains and strong winds were anticipated.

The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan expects Jamie, the first hurricane of the season to hit the island, to make landfall on the northeast coast early Wednesday evening.

Classified as a moderate-strength hurricane, Jamie is likely to move across the Taiwan Strait, according to Reuters.

In Yilan County, where the hurricane is expected to hit first, intensified winds and rain have already led to the closure of restaurants and significantly emptied the streets.

Authorities suspended work and school across Taiwan, leaving the streets of the capital, Taipei, nearly deserted during rush hour amid heavy rainfall.