TAIPEI, July 22  -- Offices and schools in cities and counties across Taiwan will close on Wednesday in anticipation of heavy rain brought by Typhoon Matmo.

Several airlines have canceled or postponed Wednesday flights for the mainland, Hong Kong, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Taiwan Stock Exchange will also be closed on Wednesday.

According to the island's weather authority, as of 8 p.m., the center of Matmo was located some 170 km south of Hualien and moving in a northwestern direction at a speed of 20 km per hour.

Matmo is expected to hit eastern Taiwan on Tuesday evening, packing rainstorms and winds.

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou has urged relevant authorities to stay alert especially in northeastern and northern mountainous regions.