Updated

A powerful typhoon is roaring toward Taiwan, whipping up high waves off its coasts.

Forecasters are warning ships to stay alert when sailing off eastern and southern Taiwan.

The Central Weather Bureau says Typhoon Tembin was located about 320 kilometers (200 miles) off Taitung county Wednesday, packing winds of 144 kilometers (90 miles) an hour.

It says Tembin may land in eastern Hualien county on Thursday night and dump torrential rains across the island.

As a precaution, fishing boats were returning to harbors and tourists were leaving offshore islands.

Forecasters say another typhoon is trailing Tembin and will move toward Taiwan, possibly unleashing more rain but skirting northern Taiwan on its way to China.