Typhoon Krathon will cross through Taiwan’s densely populated west coast, including major port city of Kaohsiung

Mapped: Typhoon Krathon heads to Taiwan after lashing Philippines - Meteorologists warn it is ‘rare’ for such a powerful typhoon to make a direct hit on Taiwan’s western plains

A powerful typhoon is lashing the northernmost islands of the Philippines, where officials are warning of “potentially very destructive” damage to coastal villages.

The slow-moving Krathon was blowing westwards and could strengthen into a super typhoon, government forecasters said.

Taiwan’s authorities shuttered some schools and canceled domestic flights as an intensifying Typhoon Krathon moves toward the island while bringing violent wind and rain to the Philippines.

Typhoon Krathon pounded a remote group of tiny Philippine islands near Taiwan on Monday, cutting power and communication services, the state weather service and officials said.

Tropical storm Krathon is headed for the Philippines as authorities place northern parts of the main Luzon island on alert, saying there’s a high chance of rapid intensification and the possibility it could become a super typhoon.

A powerful typhoon was lashing the northernmost islands of the Philippines on Monday, prompting officials to evacuate villagers, shut down schools and inter-island ferries and warn of "potentially very destructive" damage to coastal villages.