Tag Archives: Manila

Pakhar Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm Pakhar weakened to a tropical depression over the Western North Pacific Ocean northeast of the Philippines on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Pakhar was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 131.1°E which put it about 745 miles (1205 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Pakhar was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

After strengthening on Sunday, former Tropical Storm Pakhar weakened to a tropical depression on Monday. An upper level trough west of Japan produced strong southwesterly winds that blew across the top of Pakhar’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear and they blew the top of former Tropical Storm Pakhar away to the northeast of the lower level circulation. The circulation around Tropical Depression Pakhar on Monday afternoon consisted of a swirl of showers and lower clouds. Any clouds that grew higher into the atmosphere were quickly sheared apart by the strong upper level winds.

The circulation around Tropical Depression Pakhar will spin down gradually during the next 24 hours. Pakhar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level trough west of Japan will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear will prevent the development of new thunderstorms around Tropical Depression Pakhar.

Since the circulation around Tropical Depression Pakhar only exists in the lower levels of the atmosphere, it will be steered by the winds near the surface. Northeasterly winds will push Pakhar back toward the southwest. On its anticipated track, the circulation around Tropical Depression Pakhar should dissipate east of the Philippines during the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Pakhar Develops Northeast of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Pakhar developed over the Western North Pacific Ocean northeast of the Philippines on Sunday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Pakhar was located at latitude 18.5°N and longitude 127.5°E which put it about 470 miles (755 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Pakhar was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system northeast of the Philippines strengthened on Sunday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Pakhar. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Pakhar’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Pakhar. Storms near the center of Pakhar generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Pakhar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Pakhar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. An upper level trough east of China will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Pakhar’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Storm Pakhar could strengthen during the next 18 hours. The upper level trough will move closer to Pakhar on Monday and the upper level winds will get stronger. More vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Pakhar to weaken early next week.

The upper level trough over eastern China will steer Tropical Storm Pakhar toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Pakhar will move farther away from the Philippines. When the vertical wind shear increases on Monday, strong upper level winds could blow the top off of Tropical Storm Pakhar. If that happens, then Pakhar will be steered by winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Those winds could steer Pakhar back toward the southwest early next week.

Tropical Storm Nalgae Causes Floods and Mudslides in the Philippines

Tropical Storm Nalgae caused floods and mudslides in the Philippines on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nalgae was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 119.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) north-northwest of Manila, Philippines. Nalgae was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Nalgae dropped heavy rain as it moved across Luzon on Saturday. Heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in some locations. There were reports of deaths and injuries that were caused by the floods and mudslides. Tropical Nalgae did weaken as it moved across Luzon, but some bands were still dropping heavy rain in places. The center of Nalgae was about to move over the South China Sea. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Nalgae’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Nalgae will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. Nalgae will move under the western side of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific. The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Nalgae’s circulation. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Nalgae is likely to intensify when it move over the South China Sea. Nalgae could strengthen to a typhoon during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nalgae toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nalgae will move away from northern Luzon. The heavy rain in the Philippines will diminish when Nalgae moves farther away from Luzon.

Tropical Storm Nalgae Brings Wind and Rain to the Philippines

Tropical Storm Nalgae brought wind and rain to the Philippines on Friday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Nalgae was located at latitude 14.3°N and longitude 123.1°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Nalgae was moving toward the west-northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Nalgae strengthened on Friday as it approached southeastern Luzon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern side of the center of Nalgae. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Nalgae. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Nalgae.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nalgae toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nalgae will move quickly across Luzon. Nalgae will continue to produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain in Luzon during the next 24 hours. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. When the center of Nalgae is over water, it will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. An upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Nalgae’s circulation. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Nalgae will be unlikely to intensify while the center of its circulation is over Luzon. Nalgae could intensify when the center moves over the South China Sea.

Typhoon Noru Hits Luzon

Typhoon Noru hit Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

Small, but powerful Typhoon Noru hit the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila on Sunday morning. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 72 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Noru will move across central Luzon. The center of Noru could pass just north of Manila in a few hours. Typhoon Noru will bring strong, gusty winds to central Luzon. Severe damage could occur near the small core of Noru’s circulation. Widespread electrical outages are likely. Heavy rain will also fall over near the core of Typhoon Noru. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Since the circulation around Typhoon Noru is small, it is likely to weaken quickly while it passes over Luzon. There is a chance that Noru could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. Noru will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.

Typhoon Noru could approach the coast of Vietnam in less than 72 hours. Noru could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of Vietnam.

Typhoon Noru Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane East of Luzon

Typhoon Noru very rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 124.1°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 920 mb.

Typhoon Noru intensified very rapidly from a tropical storm to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in 24 hours. A small, pinhole eye with a diameter of 7 miles (11 km) formed at the center of Noru’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Noru. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon. The removal of so much mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Noru could intensify to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will make landfall on the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila. Typhoon Noru be the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall. Noru will produce severe wind damage. Heavy rain could cause flash floods. Typhoon Noru could produce a storm surge up to 15 feet (5 meters) along the east coast of Luzon. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Typhoon Chanthu Strengthens to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Chanthu intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of northern Luzon on Wednesday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 130.8°E which put it about 630 miles (1015 km) east-southeast of Aparri, Philippines. Chanthu was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Typhoon Chanthu intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on Wednesday morning. A small eye was at the center of Typhoon Chanthu. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Chanthu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped part of the way around the core of Typhoon Chanthu. Concentric eyewalls might be developing, which would indicate the start of an eyewall replacement cycle.

The circulation around Typhoon Chanthu was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 35.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.1. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing localized catastrophic damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment capable of maintaining a strong typhoon during the next 48 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. If an eyewall replacement cycle occurs, Typhoon Chanthu will weaken when the inner eyewall weakens. An eyewall replacement cycle would increase the size of the circulation around Chanthu when the outer eyewall forms.

Typhoon Chanthu will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Chanthu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chanthu could approach northeastern Luzon in 48 hours. Chanthu will likely still be a powerful typhoon when it approaches Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson continued to bring wind and rain to parts of Luzon. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 14.3°N and longitude 120.5°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) south-southwest of Manila, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Typhoon Chanthu Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Chanthu rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 133.0°E which put it about 915 miles (1475 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. Chanthu was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 929 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Chanthu rapidly intensified from a minimal tropical storm to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the past 24 hours. A small eye quickly developed at the center of Typhoon Chanthu. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Chanthu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Chanthu was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 30.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.4. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing localized severe damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Chanthu could continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and there is a chance it could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Chanthu will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Chanthu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chanthu could approach northeastern Luzon in 60 hours. Chanthu could be near Taiwan in less than four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to Luzon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 121.7°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Conson Brings Wind and Rain to Central Philippines

Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to the central Philippines on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 124.6°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Calbayog, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Conson made landfall on the east coast of Samar near Borongan on Monday. Conson was nearly a typhoon at the time of landfall. A small eye was visible at the center of Tropical Storm Conson on both radar and microwave satellite images. Conson produced gusty winds as it passed over Samar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation. Tropical Storm Conson dropped heavy rain on Samar, Leyte, northern Cebu and northeastern Panay. Heavy rain could result in flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Conson will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Conson toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Conson will pass over the Visayan Sea and the Sibuyan Sea. The center of Conson could pass over Masbate during the next 12 hours. Tropical Storm Conson could reach southern Luzon in a day or so. Conson could be be near Manila in 48 hours. Tropical Storm Conson will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Masbate, Mindoro and southern Luzon.

Tropical Storm Conson will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Conson will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Since the circulation around Tropical Storm Conson is small, it is likely to weaken each time the center passes over land. The intensity of Conson could fluctuate when it moves over islands and water surfaces.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 19W was organizing quickly and it appeared to be on the verge of strengthening to a tropical storm. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 19W was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 137.1°E which put it about 1170 miles (1890 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb. Tropical Depression 19W is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to intensify.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Drops Rain on Luzon

Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon around Manila on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 119.6°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) west-northwest of Manila, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan passed just south of Manila before the tropical storm moved west of Luzon. Bands near the center of Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon near Manila. Other bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on Mindoro. Choi-wan was still producing a few winds that were blowing at tropical storm force, but Manila did not report any winds that were that strong.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan exhibited an organized circulation on Wednesday afternoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Choi-wan. Other bands of thunderstorms were in the southern half of the tropical storm. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an area that is marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The center of Choi-wan will move over the South China Sea where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, an upper level ridge centered over southern China will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification, but Tropical Storm Choi-wan could get a little stronger during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move northwest of Luzon during the next 24 hours. Choi-wan will turn toward the northeast on Friday after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Tropical Storm Choi-wan could approach the southern end of Taiwan in 36 hours.