The storm has already injured 46 people and forced thousands of evacuations, the authorities said, warning that torrential rain could cause landslides and flooding.

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) - Taiwan shut down on Wednesday with offices, schools and financial markets closed ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon, which is forecast to bring storm surges along the coast and torrential rain.

By Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwan shut down on Wednesday, grounding hundreds of flights and closing schools, offices and financial markets ahead of the arrival of a weakening Typhoon Krathon with one person reported dead and torrential rain lashing the island's south.