Tag Archives: Tropical Storm Krovanh

Tropical Storm Krovanh Develops over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Krovanh developed over the South China Sea on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Krovanh was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 113.9°E which put it about 515 miles (830 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Krovanh was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Krovanh was very asymmetrical. A high pressure system over eastern Asia was contributing to a strong pressure gradient northwest of Krovanh. The pressure gradient between the high pressure system and Krovanh was producing strong northeasterly winds in the northwestern quadrant of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 300 miles (485 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Krovanh. However, winds in the southeastern quadrant of Krovanh were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move through an environment that is only marginally favorable for intensification. Krovanh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C. So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification. However, the northeasterly winds on the northwestern side of Tropical Storm Krovanh will transport drier air into the circulation. The drier air will inhibit the development of thunderstorms. Krovanh will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce strong easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, which will also inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Krovanh could intensify a little during the next 24 hours, but the dry air and wind shear are likely to cause it to weaken next week.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move around the southern side of the high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high will steer Krovanh toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Krovanh could be near the southernmost part of Vietnam in about three days.

Tropical Storm Krovanh Organizing Quickly Near Northern Marianas

The circulation around Tropical Storm Krovanh is organizing quickly as it passes near the northern Marianas.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Krovanh was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 148.1°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) east-northeast of Agrihan in the northern Mariana Islands.  Krovanh was moving toward the northwest at 11 m.p.h. (18 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 995 mb.  A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan in the northern Marianas.

The circulation near the center of Krovanh organized quickly on Tuesday.  A primary spiral rainband wrapped around the southern side of the center and an eyelike feature has appeared intermittently on visible satellite imagery.  Additional rainbands are developing around the circulation.  The thunderstorms near the core of the tropical storm are producing upper level outflow in all directions which is pumping out mass and is allowing the surface pressure to decrease.

Tropical Storm Krovanh is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Upper levels winds are light and there is little vertical wind shear.  The environment is very favorable for further intensification and rapid intensification is likely.  Krovanh could become a typhoon within 24 hours and it could be a strong typhoon within several days.

A subtropical ridge located northeast of Krovanh is steering the tropical storm toward the northwest.  That general steering pattern is expected to continue for the next 48 hours.  After that time Krovanh will reach the western end of the subtropical ridge and it will turn toward the north.  On its anticipated track Krovanh will pass through the extreme northern Marianas on Wednesday and it be approaching Iwo To in about 48 hours.  Krovanh could be a strong typhoon at that time.