Over 100 flights cancelled as Super Typhoon Champi becomes 2026’s strongest storm
A Super Typhoon has led to Taiwan canceling over 100 flights as it heads towards the nation and eastern China, with it set to become this year’s strongest storm.
Known as Super Typhoon Champi, the upcoming tropical cyclone has peak winds of 184 mph, which makes it the equivalent of a Category 5 storm, the most powerful and destructive level.
Champi appears set to pass through northeastern Taiwan before heading north China and then will eventually reach Japan.
A warning has since been issued by Taiwan about the incoming storm, which resulted in the cancellation of over 100 flights.
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Taiwanese President urges people to prepare for typhoon
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took to social media to share his own statement, writing on Facebook: “The Central Weather Bureau has issued a typhoon alert for Champi, both at sea and on land. Friday and Saturday will be the closest moments of the storm circle to Taiwan, especially in the areas most affected, which will be more noticeable.
“Champi is the first storm circle to directly affect Taiwan since the beginning of this autumn. As the forecast path shifts westward, the storm circle's impact area may still expand. Everyone must remain vigilant and pay attention to the strong winds and heavy rains brought by the typhoon.”
The president goes on to urge residents to prepare for the storm as early as possible by checking ‘doors and windows, secure outdoor items that may fall, and closely monitor the latest weather and disaster prevention information’.
He adds: “The more prepared we are, the less risk we face. Let's work together to prepare for typhoons and stay safe during this storm.”
Coastal towns are particularly on high alerts after warnings were released about potential waves that could exceed 20 feet. It is also thought that the mountain regions could be hit with 3 feet of rain.
According to The Weather Network, Hurricane Polo had previously held the title for world’s strongest tropical cyclone in 2026, with regards to its strong wind speed, as the storm ‘peaked with maximum, sustained winds of 285 km/h and a minimum, central pressure of 892 mb--which is still lower than Champi's (895 mb) - making Polo stronger in that regard’.
Low air pressure resulted in Polo becoming the second-most intense hurricane on record in the eastern Pacific, with the onset of Champi marking the planet’s seventh Category 5 storm of the year.