The Taitung County Government announced late at night that work and classes across the county will be suspended on Monday — an unexpected day off for commuters and students, but also a sign of severe weather conditions.

• The county government determined, based on forecast data from the Central Weather Administration, that the criteria for suspending work and classes had been met.
• Work and classes will be suspended countywide on Monday, August 24.
• The announcement came close to midnight on Sunday night, leaving parents and working people limited time to prepare.
• Eastern Taiwan is in the middle of typhoon season, and Taitung is one of the counties that bears the brunt.

Outlook: Whether the suspension will be extended depends on the actual wind and rain conditions, and other eastern counties may follow suit.