According to Taiwan's Central Meteorological Administration (CMA), the typhoon had a sustained speed of 126 km/h and gusts of up to 162 km/h before reaching the southern port city of Kaohsiung.
Although CMA head Cheng Chia-ping said the typhoon was expected to weaken quickly, Kaohsiung residents were urged to find shelter.
"There will be destructive force winds in this area caused by the typhoon. Seek shelter as soon as possible," the CMA warned.
The mayor of Kaohsiung, Chen Chi-mai, said the city had experienced the "strongest winds" before the typhoon made landfall.
"We urge residents not to go outside unless necessary. So far, Kaohsiung has recorded 356 cases of disasters, mostly falling trees and billboards," the mayor said.
Heavy rains and powerful winds unleashed on the island have already resulted in at least two deaths, two missing and 123 injured, the National Fire Agency said.
The typhoon disrupted traffic, causing all domestic flights to halt for a second day and some 240 international flights to be cancelled.
Nearly 10,000 people were evacuated across Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Craton has triggered mudslides and flooding and damaged houses and roads in some areas as it slowly moves toward Taiwan. | BGNES
