Taiwan's Hengchun Peninsula was battered by the first strong autumn downslope winds of the season, toppling a large tree and damaging public bikes, though nobody was hurt.

• Gusts reached force 9 in Hengchun, the strongest winds anywhere in Taiwan today.
• A big tree outside the Hengchun travel hospital was ripped out by the roots and crushed parked YouBike bicycles.
• No pedestrians were nearby at the time, so there were no injuries.
• The weather agency issued a strong wind advisory for Pingtung, warning that street trees, metal sheds, containers and utility poles could come loose.
• Police and firefighters sealed off the area and cut up the fallen tree to reopen the road.

Outlook: The strong winds are expected to keep blowing, so residents and visitors are being told to secure outdoor items and drive slowly.