TAIPEI — Taiwan is preparing for Super typhoon Nepartak, which ended a record storm drought of 200 days in the northwest Pacific Ocean, USA Today cited Colorado State University hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach as saying.

Super typhoon Nepartak was formed in a low-pressure area south of Guam on June 30, according to Stars and Stripes, a publication that operates inside the U.S. Department of Defense. The storm was created when warm, moist air rose into the atmosphere, forming clouds after condensation. The system of clouds and wind continued to grow and spin faster until it became a typhoon.

Nepartak has an annular appearance, meaning it has a pinhole storm eye and very tight bands. Annular typhoons are less likely to weaken due to environmental factors such as land masses and cold water in comparison to non-annular typhoons, according to Weather Underground.

Weather Underground added that Nepartak intensified while travelling over a long stretch of warm ocean. It then moved over a relatively cool water, which reduced its energy. However, it is expected to pass over another area of warm water before making a landfall in Taiwan late Thursday.

According to Weather.com, Typhoon Soudelor hit Taiwan and China in August last year, killing at least 34 people.