Tag Archives: Taiwan

Typhoon Rai Rapidly Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Typhoon Rai rapidly weakened to a tropical storm south-southwest of Hong Kong on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rai was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 113.5°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong. Rai 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.

A surface high pressure system over eastern Asia produced northeasterly winds that transported drier air which was pulled into the circulation of former Typhoon Rai. The drier air caused the thunderstorms in Rai’s circulation to dissipate and the circulation weakened. Bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Rai consisted almost entirely of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation.

Since Tropical Storm Rai consists of a shallow circulation, it will be steered by the winds in the lower levels of he atmosphere. Rai will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Tropical Storm Rai toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Rai could be southwest of Taiwan in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Rai will move through an environment unfavorable for a tropical cyclone. Rai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. However, Rai will continue to be surrounded by drier air, which will prevent the formation of new thunderstorms. In addition, an upper level trough over eastern Asia will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear and the shear will also be unfavorable for intensification. Tropical Storm Rai will continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Chanthu Moves Away from Taiwan

Typhoon Chanthu moved away from Taiwan on Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 26.8°N and longitude 122.7°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) northeast of Taipei, Taiwan. Chanthu was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

Typhoon Chanthu moved away from Taiwan on Sunday and the weather conditions were improving there. The core of Chanthu passed east of Taiwan and so it remained intact. A small circular eye was present 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. Multiple bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Chanthu. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the typhoon.

The overall circulation of Typhoon Chanthu was larger after it moved past Taiwan. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.9. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29˚C. An upper level trough over eastern China will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Chanthu’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will likely be strong enough to cause Typhoon Chanthu to weaken gradually.

Typhoon Chanthu will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Chanthu toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chantu will continue to move away from Taiwan. Chanthu could approach the coast of Chine south of Shanghai in 24 hours. Typhoon Chanthu will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the parts of east coast of China on Monday.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Conson weakened near the coast of Vietnam. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Conson was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 109.1°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam. Conson was stationary. 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.

Typhoon Chanthu Brings Wind and Rain to Taiwan

Typhoon Chanthu brought wind and rain to Taiwan on Saturday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 22.2°N and longitude 121.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) south-southeast of Hualien, Taiwan. Chanthu was moving toward the north-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

Bands in the northwestern part of Typhoon Chanthu brought wind and rain to eastern Taiwan on Saturday morning. Typhoon Chanthu appeared to be in the middle of another eyewall replacement cycle. A small eye was present at the center of Chanthu. The eye was surrounded by concentric eyewalls. The strongest winds were occurring in the innermost eyewall. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Chanthu. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The current eyewall replacement cycle increased the overall size of the circulation around Typhoon Chanthu. Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 40.8. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move over water capable of supporting an intense typhoon 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. The current eyewall replacement cycle could cause Typhoon Chanthu to weaken if the innermost eyewall dissipates.

Typhoon Chanthu will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific. The high pressure system will steer Chanthu toward the north during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Chanthu will be near northeastern Taiwan in 18 hours. Typhoon Chanthu will drop very heavy rain over eastern Taiwan. The risk of flash floods is very high. Even though the core of Chanthu may pass just east of Taiwan, strong winds are likely to cause damage along the east coast of Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson was approaching toward central Vietnam. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 109.0°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam. Conson was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

Typhoon Chanthu Brings Wind and Rain to Northeast Luzon

Typhoon Chanthu brought wind and rain to northeastern Luzon on Friday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 123.1°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east of Aparri, Philippines. Chanthu was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 200 m.p.h. (320 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Even though the center of Typhoon Chanthu was passing northeast of northeastern Luzon, bands on the western side of Chanthu brought gusty wind and heavy rain to northeastern Luzon. Typhoon Chanthu strengthened back to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale after it completed an eyewall replacement cycle on Thursday. A circular eye was present at the center of Chanthu. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Storms near the core of Chanthu generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon in all directions.

The circulation around Typhoon Chanthu was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 36.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 50.9. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing regional catastrophic damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move over water capable of supporting an intense typhoon 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. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, another eyewall replacement cycle could start. If another eyewall replacement cycle occurs, Typhoon Chanthu would weaken, but the size of the circulation would increase.

Typhoon Chanthu will move around the western end of a high pressure system during the next few days. The high pressure system will steer Chanthu toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chanthu will gradually move away from northeastern Luzon. Chantu will approach southern Taiwan in 24 hours. Typhoon Chanthu will bring very strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan. Widespread flash floods could occur.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson moved toward central Vietnam. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 111.7°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Conson was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

Dangerous Typhoon Chanthu Nears Northeast Luzon

Dangerous Typhoon Chanthu neared northeastern Luzon on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 123.7°E which put it about 135 miles (215 km) southeast of Aparri, Philippines. Chanthu was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 925 mb.

Typhoon Chanthu completed an eyewall replacement cycle on Thursday and Chanthu was strengthening again. The original eye and eyewall were almost entirely dissipated. A new, slightly larger eye was visible at the center of Typhoon Chanthu on 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 Chanthu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.

Although the eyewall replacement cycle increased the size of the core of Typhoon Chanthu, the total circulation around Chanthu was relative small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.3. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 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 strengthen during the next 12 hours. Chanthu will weaken if the core of the typhoon moves over northeastern Luzon. If the core of Typhoon Chanthu passes northeast of Luzon, then it could maintain its intensity during the next 36 hours.

Typhoon Chanthu will move around the western end of a high pressure system during the next few days. The high pressure system will steer Chanthu toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the core of Typhoon Chanthu will pass very close to northeastern Luzon. Chanthu could cause severe damage to northeastern Luzon. Typhoon Chantu will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods. Typhoon Chantu could affect Taiwan during the weekend.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson moved toward central Vietnam. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 112.2°E which put it about 280 miles (460 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Conson was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

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 Lupit Drops Very Heavy Rain on Taiwan

Tropical Storm Lupit dropped very heavy rain on Taiwan on Friday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 120.5°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west of Taipei, Taiwan. Lupit was moving toward the east at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 990 mb.

Bands of rain on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit dropped very heavy rain over much of Taiwan on Friday. Radar estimates of the rainfall by Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau were as high as two feet (0.6 meters) in some locations. Southerly and southeasterly winds on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit were pushing air up the slopes of mountains on Taiwan. The enhanced rising motion was contributing to prolonged periods of very heavy rain. The very heavy rainfall was creating a very high danger of widespread flash floods.

Tropical Storm Lupit began to strengthen slowly after the center of circulation moved over the Taiwan Strait. The circulation around Lupit was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms and highest wind speeds were in bands on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit. Bands in the western half of Lupit consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Northerly winds circulating around the western side of the tropical storm were transporting drier air into the western half of Lupit. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles on the eastern side of Lupit. The in the western side of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Lupit toward the east during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Lupit could be near Taipei in six hours. Lupit will continue to drop very heavy rain over Taiwan during the next 12 hours and the risk of flash floods will be very high. The high pressure system will steer Tropical Storm Lupit toward the northeast during the weekend. Lupit could also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to portions of the Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next several days. Lupit will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the northeastern part of an upper level ridge. The upper level winds are weaker in that part of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Lupit is likely to intensify during the weekend unless the center passes over northern Taiwan. If the center crosses northern Taiwan, then mountains will disrupt the low level circulation.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mirinae was spinning south of Japan and Tropical Storm Nida was speeding away to the east of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Mirinae was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 137.3°E which put it about 480 miles (775 km) south-southwest of Tokyo, Japan. Mirinae was moving toward the east-northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 993 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Nide was located at latitude 38.1°N and longitude 156.6°E which put it about 775 miles (1250 km) east-southeast of Misawa, Japan. Nida was moving toward the east-northeast 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 980 mb.

Tropical Storms Lupit, Mirinae and Nida Spin over Active West Pacific

Tropical Storms Lupit, Mirinae and Nida were spinning over an active Western North Pacific Ocean on Thursday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 117.3°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Yunxiao, China. Lupit was moving toward the northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit was dropping heavy rain along the coast of Fujian province. A band of heavy rain on the eastern periphery of Lupit was just west of Taiwan. Tropical Storm Lupit is forecast to move northeast along the east coast of China during the next 24 hours. Lupit is likely to weaken slowly while the center is near the coast. Tropical Storm Lupit could strengthen during the weekend if the center moves farther over the ocean.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Mirinae was located at latitude 27.1°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) east-northeast of Okinawa. Mirinae was moving toward the east-northeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Mirinae is forecast to move toward the northeast and to strengthen. Mirinae could be south of Japan by this weekend. Weather conditions in Okinawa and the other Ryukyu Islands should improve when Tropical Storm Mirinae moves farther away.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nida was located at latitude 33.9°N and longitude 148.2°E which put it about 490 miles (790 km) east-southeast of Tokyo. Nida was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 992 mb. Westerly winds in the middle latitudes are forecast to carry Tropical Storm Nida farther away from Japan during the next few days.

Tropical Storm Lupit Forms Southeast of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Lupit formed southeast of Hong Kong on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 115.9°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Lupit was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 994 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system southeast of Hong Kong exhibited more organization on Tuesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Lupit. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Lupit. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Lupit was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Lupit. Bands on the northern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Lupit was under the southern part of an upper level ridge over eastern China. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Lupit’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lupit will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. The upper level ridge over eastern China will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification. The wind shear may not be strong enough to prevent intensification and Tropical Storm Lupit could strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Lupit toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Lupit could be over the southern Taiwan Strait southeast of Shantou, China in 24 hours. Lupit could produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain over portions of the coast of Eastern China.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a tropical depression formed east of Taiwan. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 24.0°N and longitude 125.9°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) southwest of Okinawa. The tropical depression was moving toward the east-northeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 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. The depression is forecast to move toward the northeast and to strengthen. It could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to some of the Ryukyu Islands.