In this study laboratory experiments were performed by introducing an essentially two-dimensional concentrated vortex which interacts with a two-dimensional elliptical barrier resembling the general shape of the island of Taiwan. Comparisons are made between the experimental results and field data. It is found that the general behavior and the accompanying surface flow patterns of a typhoon vortex, when interacting with the mountainous island of Taiwan, can be reasonably simulated in the laboratory. In the case of deflected flows, the typhoon vortex resembles a two-dimensional vortex past an equivalent two-dimensional mountain barrier and its pathline seems to be not sensitive to the typhoon strength- It is suggested that laboratory modeling may provide a reliable and effective way for predicting the movement of a typhoon vortex when it is in the vicinity of the island.