In a display of weather-aware productivity, Southern Taiwan shut down ahead of Typhoon Podul’s arrival, proving that even storms deserve a day off.

Officials call it a ‘soft reboot’ for society, intended to keep residents indoors long enough to rediscover their sofas.

Schools and offices closed; the city’s night markets will operate only if Podul gives a thumbs-up on its weather app.

Meteorologists forecast Podul’s arrival with the accuracy of a clock that runs on coffee, predicting wind gusts strong enough to rearrange outdoor furniture.

Citizens lined up at grocery stores to stockpile bread and USB power banks, a routine that now reads like civic theater.

Delivery drones reportedly filed for overtime as rain alarms sounded, citing a need to ‘maximize coverage during extreme weather.’

The emergency alert system urged residents to stay indoors and to practice umbrella etiquette—no pointy ends toward others.

City officials urged residents to document the experience for posterity, promising to publish a coffee-table book titled ‘Podul: An Indoor Autumn.’

Gym instructors offered classes like ‘Wind-Resistance 101’ and ‘Couch Rescue Training’ to prepare people for indoor wind simulations.

Some residents treated the closure as a chance to test whether their plants can survive 24 hours without watering.

The local weather app introduced a new feature: ‘Panic View,’ which highlights every forecast of Podul with extra emojis.

Historians note this typhoon may go down in local lore as the moment Southern Taiwan perfected the art of doing everything while nothing happens.

In the end Podul’s arrival is met with a mix of relief and denial, as citizens cling to coffee and memes while the wind politely waits at the door.