Parts of Taiwan were brought to a standstill today as the strongest typhoon of the year skirted past the island's southern tip, knocking out power for more than one lakh 80 thousand households. <br/><br/>Although super typhoon Meranti did not make landfall, the storm brought record strong winds and torrential rains to eastern and southern Taiwan. The storm is expected to dump as much as 800mm of rain in mountainous areas, potentially triggering landslides.<br/><br/>Close to 1,500 people have been evacuated from at-risk areas, with about half in temporary shelters. <br/><br/>Another storm brewing east of the Philippines may also affect Taiwan later this week. <br/><br/>