Taipei - Taiwan Tuesday issued a sea warning for vessels sailing through the Bashi Channel and waters near the southern coast of the island as Typhoon Nuri was approaching.

"We have issued a sea warning against Nuri, which is gaining strength and heading towards Taiwan," said a forecaster of the Central Weather Bureau.

He said the outer rim of the typhoon was expected to reach Taiwan later Wednesday and by Thursday morning Nuri could hit the southern island if it stays on its current course.

Packing centre winds of up to 126 kilometres per hour, Nuri is moving north-west towards the island at a speed of 26 kilometres per hour.

By 11 am (0300 GMT) Wednesday, Nuri was some 290 kilometres south of Olanpi in the southernmost tip of Taiwan, the forecaster said. (dpa)