TAIPEI -- Typhoon Saola generated heavy rains and strong wind in northwest Taiwan on Wednesday, the island's weather forecasting authority said.

The typhoon is heading northwest at an estimated speed of 13 km per hour, the agency said in a statement.

Winds at its center, located 160 km southeast of Ilan county on Taiwan's eastern coast, have reached a maximum speed of 137 km per hour.

The typhoon's storm circle has made landfall in central, northern and eastern Taiwan, the agency said, adding that wind and rain on the island will likely continue to strengthen.

Taiwan has issued torrential rain and wave warnings for land and sea areas, urging precautions against landslides and flooding.

Precipitation in Ilan reached more than one meter from early Tuesday to 9 p.m. Wednesday, while the city of Taichung in central Taiwan received 770 mm of rain.

Major cities and counties across the island, including Taipei, Xinbei, and Kaohsiung, have announced school and office closures for Thursday in response to the inclement weather.