Described as the strongest storm in the world so far this year, Super Typhoon Meranti has hit Taiwan, bringing strong winds, torrential rain and flooding.<br /><br /> Schools and businesses have been closed and flights have been cancelled.<br /><br /> Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau warned that the Category 5 storm would hit several southern and eastern cities, including Kaohsiung and Hualien.<br /><br /> Local media said hundreds of thousands of homes lost power across the island on Wednesday, as winds of up to 216 kilometres an hour brought down cables and trees.<br /><br /> “The typhoon is the world’s strongest so far this year,” weather bureau spokeswoman Hsieh Pei-yun said. “its impact on Taiwan will peak all day today.”<br /><br /> So dangerous outside now in #Kaohsiung, stay inside people! #Meranti pic.twitter.com/JB3xiHMXJA— Dave Flynn 茶米 (@DaveFlynn) September 14, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> The typhoon grew in strength as it swept in. The full force is expected to be felt into Thursday as well before the storm moves on into southern Chinese provinces.<br /><br /> There, official media say it could be the strongest in the area since 1969. Plans are underway to suspend transport services and evacuate people.<br /><br /> Meranti comes barely two months after another typhoon caused disruption in Taiwan.<br /><br /> In 2009 Typhoon Morakot brought severe destruction through southern areas, killing around 700 people. <br /><br /> LIVE Flights cancelled or delayed as Super Typhoon #Meranti hits Taiwan https://t.co/U1HE5gQHxv pic.twitter.com/Ek5KQF2qhw— AIRLIVE.net (@airlivenet) September 14, 2016<br />
