TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taitung at 1:40 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 31), making it the first strong typhoon in history to strike Taiwan in late October. 

As of 3:15 p.m., Kong-rey was 50 km northwest of Taitung moving northwest at 29 kph with a radius of 320 km, according to the CWA. It was packing 183 kph winds with gusts up to 226 kph. 

According to CWA data, three typhoons have made landfall this year, Kong-rey, Gaemi, and Krathon, per CNA. This is the first time in 16 years at least three typhoons have made landfall after four did in 2008. 

The last strong typhoon to make landfall in October was Typhoon Longwang on Oct. 2, 2005. Kong-rey is the first strong typhoon to make landfall in late October.

The CWA said Hualien, Taitung, and Yilan will continue to experience strong wind and heavy rain. The north will have intermittent strong winds and rain, while coastal areas in central and southern Taiwan will see increasing winds, with rainfall intensifying in the evening.