Taiwan is bracing for a powerful typhoon bringing strong winds and rains. At least two people are dead and two are missing.

Offices and schools were shut down in all counties and cities across Taiwan on Wednesday in preparation for Typhoon Krathon. They will remain closed on Thursday.

Officials say the typhoon was almost stationary over the sea south of Taiwan as of 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the typhoon is expected to make landfall in southern Taiwan as early as Thursday morning.

Fire officials announced that an elderly man died in Hualien County after falling out of a tree he was trimming from a height of 3 meters. They said a man in his 60s died in Taitung Country after his car was hit by a falling rock.

Authorities said two people are missing.

They said a total of 102 people have been injured across Taiwan.

Taipei's business district was almost deserted on Wednesday. Sandbags were seen piled up at the entrances to buildings to prevent water from entering.

Local weather authorities said the typhoon may cause damage for an extended period of time because it is moving so slowly.