Tag Archives: Myanmar

Tropical Cyclone Mocha Hits Myanmar

Tropical Cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha was located at latitude 20.5°N and longitude 93.0°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) north-northeast of Sittwe, Myanmar. Mocha was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 919 mb.

The center of powerful Tropical Cyclone Mocha made landfall on the coast of Myanmar near Sittwe on Sunday morning. Mocha was near its peak intensity at the time of landfall. A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was present at the center of Mocha’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Mocha.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Mocha’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Mocha was 33.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.9. Tropical Cyclone Mocha was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Michael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018. Tropical Cyclone Mocha was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mocha toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Myanmar. The strong winds and heavy rain are likely to cause severe damage. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Mocha could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to eastern Bangladesh.

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Mocha Nears Myanmar and Bangladesh

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Mocha was nearing the coast of the Bay of Bengal near the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh on Saturday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha was located at latitude 18.4°N and longitude 91.4°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) south-southwest of Sittwe, Myanmar. Mocha was moving toward the north-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha continued to intensify on Saturday. A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was present at the center of Mocha’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that band of storms. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped a large quantity of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of a large quantity of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease to 926 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Mocha’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Mocha was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 43.6. Tropical Cyclone Mocha was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit southeast Louisiana in 2021. Tropical Cyclone Mocha was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move through an environment favorable for a powerful tropical cyclone during the next few hours. Mocha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to maintain its intensity until it reaches land.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mocha toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall between Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and Sittwe, Myanmar in less than 12 hours. Mocha will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Myanmar and Bangladesh. The strong wind and rain is likely to cause severe damage. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Mocha could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Mocha strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Bay of Bengal on Friday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha was located at latitude 15.2°N and longitude 88.9°E which put it about 545 miles (880 km) south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Mocha was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Bay of Bengal on Friday. A circular eye was present at the center of Mocha’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that band of storms. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped a large quantity of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mocha was large. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Mocha’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Mocha was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 36.2. Tropical Cyclone Mocha was capable of causing major damage.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mocha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mocha toward the north-northeast during the next 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar during the weekend. Mocha is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Myanmar and Bangladesh. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Mocha could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Mocha intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Bay of Bengal on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha was located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 88.3°E which put it about 670 miles (1080 km) south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Mocha was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha intensified rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Thursday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Mocha’s circulation. An eye was evident at the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha on microwave satellite images. 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 Mocha’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease steadily. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Mocha’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Mocha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will intensify during the next 36 hours. Mocha could intensify rapidly at times. Mocha is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 36 hours .

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mocha toward the north-northeast during the next 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar during the weekend. Mocha is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Myanmar and Bangladesh. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Mocha could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha Develops over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Mocha developed over the Bay of Bengal on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mocha was located at latitude 11.2°N and longitude 88.1°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) west of Port Blair. Mocha was moving toward the north-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 993 mb.

A low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened during Wednesday night and the India Meteorological Department classified the system as Tropical Cyclone Mocha. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mocha was organizing rapidly on Thursday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Mocha’s circulation and a large eye appeared to be forming. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the developing inner core of Tropical Cyclone Mocha. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Mocha’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Mocha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will intensify during the next 48 hours. Mocha could intensify rapidly once the inner core with an eye and eyewall are completely formed. Mocha is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours. Mocha could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane in two or three days.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mocha toward the north during the next 24 hours. Mocha will start to move toward the north-northeast on Friday after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Tropical Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar during the weekend. Mocha could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Tropical Cyclone Mocha will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Myanmar and Bangladesh. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Mocha could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Cyclone Forming over Bay of Bengal

A tropical cyclone was forming over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of a low pressure system was located at latitude 8.3°N and longitude 88.3°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) southwest of Port Blair. The low pressure system was moving toward the northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 998 mb.

A low pressure system was strengthening over the southern Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning. The India Meteorological Department classified the system as a well marked low pressure system and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Invest 91B. The circulation around the low pressure system exhibited more organization on Tuesday morning. Several bands of showers and thunderstorms were beginning to revolve around the center of circulation. The strongest bands were in the southern and western parts of the low pressure system. Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the low pressure system. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease.

The low pressure system will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few days. The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. The low pressure system will intensify during the next 48 hours. It is likely to strengthen to a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon later this week.

The low pressure system will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of circulation will pass west of the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. Bands of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern side of the circulation will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. The low pressure system will move toward the north-northeast later this week. It is likely to make landfall near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar in a few days. The low pressure system is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it makes landfall.

Tropical Storm Pabuk Nears Southern Thailand

Tropical Storm Pabuk neared southern Thailand late on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Pabuk was located at latitude 8.0°N and longitude 101.0°E which put it about 110 miles (170 km) southeast of Sichon, Thailand.  Pabuk was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Pabuk exhibited more organization on Thursday.  A broken ring of showers and thunderstorms surrounded the center of circulation.  Stronger thunderstorms were occurring in the western part of the ring, while weaker storms and showers comprised the rest of the ring.  Several bands of thunderstorms were on the western side of Tropical Storm Pabuk.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were also on the eastern side of the circulation.  Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the northwest of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Pabuk will move through an environment favorable for intensification for the next six to twelve hours.  Pabuk will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move around the western end of a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will produce southeasterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification.  Pabuk could intensify during the short term.  It will reach the coast of southern Thailand in less than 12 hours.  Tropical Storm Pabuk will weaken when it moves across the Isthmus of Kra.  Pabuk could strengthen again when it moves over the Andaman Sea in a day or so.

Tropical Storm Pabuk will move around the western end of the subtropical ridge, which will steer the tropical storm in a northwesterly direction.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Pabuk will make landfall on the coast of southern Thailand near Sichon in a few hours.  Pabuk will move across the Isthmus of Kra and into the Andaman Sea in a day or so.  Tropical Storm Pabuk could reach the Andaman Islands within 60 hours.

Tropical Storm Pabuk will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to southern Thailand.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in areas of steeper terrain.

Stronger Tropical Cyclone Mora Near Landfall in Bangladesh

A stronger Tropical Cyclone Mora neared landfall between Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong, Bangladesh.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mora was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 91.9°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) south of Chittagong, Bangladesh.  Mora was moving toward the north at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 974 mb.  Tropical Cyclone Mora was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

The inner core of Tropical Cyclone Mora organized quickly on Monday.  The primary rainband wrapped entirely around the center of circulation and an eye formed.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core Tropical Cyclone Mora.  Thunderstorms near the core of Mora generated strong upper level divergence which pumped out mass and allowed the surface pressure to decrease.  The decrease of pressure caused the surface winds to increase to hurricane/typhoon intensity.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon strength extended out about 25 miles (40 km) from the center.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 150 miles (240 km) from the center.  The strongest winds were occurring in the eyewall and over the Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Mora is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge is steering Mora toward the north and that general motion is expected to continue for another 12 to 18 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Mora will move near the coast of Bangladesh between Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.  The center is likely to make landfall near Chittagong during the next few hours.

The recent intensification of Tropical Cyclone Mora has made it a more dangerous storm.  The increased wind speed will increase the potential for wind damage.  In addition, stronger winds will increase the height of the storm surge along the coast.  A storm surge of 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) will be possible along the coast between Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.  The increase in organization of the core has also created the potential for heavier rain and greater fresh water flooding of rivers and streams.

Tropical Cyclone Mora will start to weaken after the center makes landfall.  However, it will continue to generate areas of heavy rain while it moves inland over Bangladesh and northeastern India.

 

Tropical Cyclone Mora Intensifies As It Nears Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Mora intensified on Sunday as it moved closer to Bangladesh.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mora was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 90.9°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km/h) south of Chittagong, Bangladesh.  Mora was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

The structure of Tropical Cyclone Mora exhibited more organization on Sunday.  A primary rainband wrapped about two thirds of the way around northern and western sides of the circulation.  A tighter center of circulation was evident at the core of Tropical Cyclone Mora.  There were few thunderstorms east of the center of circulation.  The thunderstorms in the primary rainband were generating more upper level divergence which was pumping out mass to the west and north of the tropical cyclone.  The divergence was causing the surface pressure to decrease and was contributing the increase in wind speed.

Tropical Cyclone Mora will move through an environment that will be favorable for additional strengthening during the next 24 hours.  Mora will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level ridge east of Mora is generating easterly winds that are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  The easterly winds are generating moderate vertical wind shear and they are probably responsible for the location of the primary rainband north and west of the center of circulation.  The vertical shear will slow the rate of intensification, but it will not prevent Tropical Cyclone Mora from intensifying further.  Mora could intensify into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon before it makes landfall.

Mora was being steered toward the north by a subtropical ridge located to the east of the tropical cyclone.  A general northward motion is expected to continue for another 24 to 36 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Mora will approach the coast of Bangladesh in 18 to 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mora could make landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh.  Mora will bring gusty winds to Bangladesh and northwestern Myanmar.  It will produce locally heavy rain and create a risk for fresh water flooding.  Counterclockwise rotation will push water toward the coast and there could be a storm surge near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.  The surge could increase the water level at the coast by 6 to 8 feet (2 to 3 meters).

Tropical Cyclone Roanu Nearing Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Roanu moved closer to the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Roanu was located at latitude 20.3°N and longitude 87.8°W which put it about 200 miles (320 km) south of Kolkata, India and about 355 miles (575 km) west-southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh.  Roanu was moving toward the northeast at 11 m.p.h. (18 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 983 mb.

On Friday Tropical Cyclone Roanu went through another cycle in which most of the thunderstorms dissipated near the center of circulation and then convection redeveloped rapidly.  Thunderstorm activity is increasing at the core of the circulation and those storms are driving well developed upper level outflow.  Several well formed bands of thunderstorms are rotating around the center of circulation.  Roanu is more organized and it is a little more intense than it was 24 hours ago.

Tropical Cyclone Roanu is in an environment that could support a little more intensification before it makes landfall on the north coast of the Bay of Bengal.  It is over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30.5°C.  Roanu is under an upper level ridge which means the upper level winds are light and there is not much vertical winds shear.  However, Roanu is getting closer to the north coast of the Bay of Bengal and it only has another 12 hours or so to intensify.

A ridge east of Roanu is steering the tropical cyclone toward the northeast and that general motion is expected to continue for the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Roanu will be near the coast of Bangladesh in about 12 hours.  Roanu is expected to continue moving toward the northeast after it makes landfall.

Although Tropical Cyclone Roanu could cause some minor wind damage, its main threats will be locally heavy rain and a moderate storm surge.  Tropical Cyclone Roanu could produce locally heavy rainfall, especially if the thunderstorm activity continues to pulse diurnally.  The heavy rain could produce significant fresh water flooding over parts of northeastern India, Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma).  In addition, the winds on the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Roanu will be blowing toward the coast of Bangladesh and those winds will push water toward the coast.  The north coast of the Bay of Bengal is particularly susceptible to storms surges and Roanu could bring a moderate storm surge to the coast of Bangladesh.  The surge will be higher in the mouths of rivers and other locations where the shape of the coast funnels the water into specific locations.