The mainland coast of Fujiang and Guangdong provinces are also bracing for pounding rain and destructive gales.

With the typhoon growing stronger as it approaches the island, Taiwan residents are taking precautions to minimize potential damage.

Workers have been visiting ports to warn about dangerous conditions at sea.

In the island's northern port, fishermen have been mooring their boats to take refuge. More than ten of Taiwan's fishing boats are sheltering in Fujian Province. Local governments have provided the crews with vegetables and food.

With the expectation of unprecedented wind, farmers have been busy reaping their crops.

A farmer said, "This is the only thing we can do to reduce losses."

Prices of vegetables have soared as people stockpile food. The cost of scallion has surged by nearly 30 percent overnight, rising from 64 to 90 new Taiwan dollars a kilogram.