Taiwan shut down on Wednesday with hundreds of flights cancelled and offices, schools and financial markets closed ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon, which is forecast to bring storm surges along the coast and torrential rain.

Super Typhoon Krathon is barreling toward Taiwan, with satellite images showing the massive storm system bearing down on the island. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) predicts that Krathon,

Taiwan closed schools and offices and evacuated hundreds from vulnerable areas around the island ahead of a strong typhoon expected to hit its populated western coast.