TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan was quarantined ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Kong-rey on Thursday; All cities and counties declared a day off, financial markets closed, and domestic flights were canceled in what was expected to be the biggest storm in the last 30 years.

According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the storm is expected to reach the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast by noon (04:00 GMT); Strong winds and heavy rain are affecting almost the entire island.

According to the administration, up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) of rainfall is expected in eastern Taiwan, with destructive winds in coastal areas.

The government said the defense ministry had 36,000 soldiers on hand to assist with rescue efforts, while 4,500 people were pre-evacuated from high-risk areas.

The government warned people to stay away from mountains and beaches.

Kong-rey is expected to weaken as it passes central Taiwan, then enter the Taiwan Strait and graze China on Friday morning.

Subtropical Taiwan is frequently affected by typhoons. The last one, Typhoon Krathon, killed four people as it passed south of the island earlier this month.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)