Typhoon Nepartak

Taiwan is making ready for Super Typhoon Nepartak's touchdown, which could batter into the island nation late Thursday or early Friday (local Taiwan time, Thursday morning or afternoon in the U.S.) according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

High winds and drenching rain are imminent as the storm makes landfall, weather.com reported. Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau (CWB) has issued Typhoon land and sea alerts for portions of eastern Taiwan. The weather bureau said nearly 300 cm (three feet) of rain could fall on some parts of Taiwan. This can lead to potentially deadly flash flooding, accompanied by mud- and rock slides.

150 MPH Winds

FYI: Typhoons are the same storm strength type as hurricanes, alternatively called typhoons as they cross west of the International Date Line. Typhoons classify as Super Typhoons when winds reach and hold at 150 mph, equivalent to a hurricane Category 4.

Taiwan's military activated thousands of domestic troops, and Taiwan's Premier Chuan Lin was briefed by emergency officials Wednesday, ramping up preparations for the oncoming typhoon.