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Tropical Storm Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Hainan

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to Hainan on Wednesday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 110.0°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Haikou, China. Kompasu was moving toward the west 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 981 mb.

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain as it moved over Hainan on Wednesday. The strongest thunderstorms were in bands on the western side of Kompasu’s circulation. Bands on the eastern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge was producing strong easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Kompasu’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The flow around the northern side of Tropical Storm Kompasu was pulling drier air from Asia into the circulation. The combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air was causing the stronger thunderstorms to be on the western side of Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Kompasu quickly toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Kompasu will move quickly across the Gulf of Tonkin. Tropical Storm Kompasu will reach the coast of northern Vietnam in 18 hours. Gusty winds and rain will reach the coast before the center arrives because the stronger thunderstorms are on the western side of Kompasu. Vertical wind shear and drier air will prevent intensification of Tropical Storm Kompasu. Kompasu will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Vietnam and Laos. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 120.9°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Claveria, Philippines. Kompasu was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 981 mb.

Rainbands in the southern side of Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. The center of Kompasu passed just north of Luzon. Thunderstorms in bands in southern half of Tropical Storm Kompasu passed over the northern end of Luzon. Kompasu strengthened as it approached northern Luzon. More thunderstorms developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Kompasu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move south of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kompasu’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Kompasu is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 24 hours. Kompasu could intensify to a typhoon over the South China Sea.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Kompasu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu will pass south of Hong Kong in 24 hours. Kompasu could approach Hainan in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Namtheun intensified east of the northern Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Namtheun was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 154.0°E which put it about 555 miles (895 km) east of Agrihan. Namtheun 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.

Vamco Rapidly Intensifies to Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Vamco rapidly intensified into a typhoon east of Luzon on Tuesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 14.9°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 230 miles (375 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Typhoon Vamco intensified rapidly on Tuesday. A circular eye was visible 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 Typhoon Vamco. Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Vamco. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Vamco will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Vamco will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Vamco will continue to intensify rapidly and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Vamco will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Vamco toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Vamco will make landfall on the east coast of Luzon in about 12 hours. The center of Vamco will pass north of Manila and the core of Typhoon Vamco could come close to San Francisco.

Typhoon Vamco will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Luzon. Vamco will be capable of causing major damage. The heavy rain will cause flash floods in part of Luzon. Typhoon Vamco could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) on the east coast of Luzon. Vamco will weaken when the center passes over Luzon, but it is likely to still be a typhoon when it passes north of Manila. Typhoon Vamco is also likely to cause widespread power outages on Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Etau was dropping heavy rain over Cambodia. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Etau was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 105.5°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Etau was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Etau Nears Vietnam, Vamco Threatens Philippines

Tropical Storm Etau neared Vietnam on Monday and newly formed Tropical Storm Vamco threatened the Philippines. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Etau was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 111.6°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east of Tuy Hoa, Vietnam. Etau was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 995 mb.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Etau was asymmetrical. Etau was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over eastern Asia. The ridge was producing easterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Etau. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The shear was causing the stronger thunderstorms to occur in bands on the western side of Tropical Storm Etau. The bands in the eastern side of Etau consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) in the northern half of Tropical Storm Etau. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 50 miles in the southern half of Etau.

Tropical Storm Etau will move south of a high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high will steer Etau toward the west during the next two days. On its anticipated track the center of Etau will make landfall in Vietnam near Tuy Hoa in about 12 hours.

Tropical Storm Etau will move through an environment that should allow it to maintain its intensity until it makes landfall in Vietnam. Etau will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. The upper level ridge over eastern Asia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear which will limit intensification.

Since the stronger thunderstorms are in the western half of Tropical Storm Etau, heavy rain will fall over central Vietnam before the center of Etau makes landfall. Etau will drop locally heavy rain over central Vietnam, northern Cambodia, southern Laos and northeastern Thailand. The ground is already saturated in that region and flash floods are likely.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Vamco developed east of the Philippines. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Vamco was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 130.6°E which put it about 370 miles (605 km) east of Laoang, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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. Tropical Storm Vamco is forecast to move toward Luzon and to strengthen into a typhoon.

Nakri Strengthens to a Typhoon and Moves Toward Vietnam

Former Tropical Storm Nakri strengthened into a typhoon and started to move toward Vietnam on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Typhoon Nakri was located at latitude 12.9°N and longitude 114.9°E which put it about 395 miles (635 km) east of Quy Nhon, Vietnam.  Nakri was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 977 mb.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Typhoon Nakri was asymmetrical.  A broken ring of showers and thunderstorms surrounded the center of Nakri.  The strongest thunderstorms were in the southern portion of the ring.  Most of the strongest rainbands were in the southern half of the typhoon, although there was one strong rainband along the northern periphery of the circulation.  Many of the other bands on the eastern and northern sides of Typhoon Nakri consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  It appeared that sinking, drier air was limiting the development of thunderstorms in the northern half of the circulation.

In spite of the effects of the drier air, the size of the circulation around Typhoon Nakri increased on Friday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center.

Typhoon Nakri will be moving through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Nakri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move around the southern side of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia and the South China Sea.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification.  Drier air to the north of Typhoon Nakri will also inhibit intensification.  Nakri is likely to maintain its intensity during the next day or so, but it could start to weaken if the wind shear increases or more drier air sinks over the circulation.

The ridge over southeast Asia and the South China Sea will steer Typhoon Nakri toward the west during the next two to three days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Nakri could approach the coast of Vietnam in about 48 hours.  Typhoon Nakri could bring gusty winds and a storm surge for the central coast of Vietnam.  Nakri could drop locally heavy rainfall when it moves inland and flash floods could occur in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Halong was speeding away from Miami Tori Shima, Japan.  At 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Halong was located at latitude 30.9°N and longitude 161.1°E which put it about 580 miles (935 km) northeast of Minami Tori Shima, Japan.  Halong was moving toward the northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 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.

Tropical Storm Nakri Stalls West of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Nakri stalled west of the Philippines on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nakri was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 116.8°E which put it about 290 miles (465 km) west-southwest of Manila, Philippines.  Nakri was moving toward the south at 2 m.p.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 980 mb.

Tropical Storm Nakri meandered slowly west of the Philippines on Thursday.  The structure of Nakri did not change a lot during the day.  There was a distinct low level center center of circulation.  Thunderstorms were forming on the south side of the center and the strongest winds were occurring in those thunderstorms.  Thunderstorms were also developing in bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Nakri.  Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms south of the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Nakri will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Nakri mixed cooler water to the surface during the period when it meandered west of the Philippines, but it will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C when it starts moving.  Tropical Storm Nakri will move southeast of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but it will not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Storm Nakri from strengthening.  Nakri will likely become a typhoon on Friday or Saturday.

Tropical Storm Nakri has been in an area where the steering winds have been weak and it has moved little during the past 24 hours.  The ridge over southeast Asia will strengthen and it will steer Nakri toward the east during the next 72 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nakri could approach the coast of Vietnam in less than 72 hours.  Nakri is likely to be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of Vietnam.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Halong was passing north of Minami Tori Shima, Japan.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Halong was located at latitude 27.2°N and longitude 154.4°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) north of Minami Tori Shima, Japan.  Halong was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Typhoon Halong Intensifies into Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Halong intensified into the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Halong was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 150.6°E which put it about 345 miles (560 km) southwest of Minami Tori Shima, Japan.  Halong was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 180 m.p.h. (290 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 220 m.p.h. (355 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 900 mb.

Typhoon Halong intensified into one of the strongest tropical cyclones of 2019 over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Tuesday.  There was a circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km) at the center of Halong.  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 Halong.  Storm near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the northeast of the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon along was compact and symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Halong was 42.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.6.

Typhoon Halong has probably reached its peak intensity.  Halong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  However, an upper level trough near Japan will approach Typhoon Halong from the northwest.  The trough will produce strong southwesterly winds which will start to increase the vertical wind shear.  More wind shear will cause Halong to weaken.

The upper level trough will start to steer Typhoon Halong toward the northeast in 12 to 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Halong will pass northwest of Minami Tori Shima on Thursday.  Even though it will weaken, Halong will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Nakri developed over the South China Sea between the Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Nakri was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 116.0°E which put it about 380 miles (615 km) west of Manila, Philippines.  Nakri was moving toward the northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 998 mb.

Although Tropical Storm Nakri is currently moving toward the northeast, it is forecast to move back toward the west later this week.  Nakri will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  Tropical Storm Nakri could strengthen into a typhoon before it reaches the coast of Vietnam.

Typhoon Halong Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Halong strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane northeast of the Northern Marianas on Monday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Typhoon Halong was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 152.1°E which put it about 390 miles (630 km) south of Minami Tori Shima, Japan.  Halong was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 952 mb.

Typhoon Halong continued to strengthen on Monday and it reached the equivalent of a major hurricane.  A small, well formed circular eye was evident on infrared 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 Typhoon Halong.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Halong increased in size on Monday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center.  The Hurricane intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Halong was 22.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index was 36.3.  Halong was capable of causing major damage.

Typhoon Halong will remain in an environment favorable for intensification for another 24 hours.  Halong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the northwestern portion of an upper level ridge where the winds are weaker and there will be little vertical wind shear.  An upper level trough southwest of Japan will approach Typhoon Halong in 24 hours.  The trough will produce stronger southwesterly winds which will cause more vertical wind shear.  Halong will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Typhoon Halong will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 36 to 48 hours.  The ridge will steer Halong toward the north-northwest.  Halong will move toward the northeast later this week after if moves around the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Halong could approach Minami Tori Shima in less than 72 hours.

Halong Strengthens into a Typhoon East of the Northern Marianas

Former Tropical Storm Halong strengthened into a typhoon east of the Northern Marianas on Sunday.  At 4:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Halong was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 153.3°E which put it about 520 miles (840 km) east-northeast of Saipan.  Halong was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 979 mb.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Halong exhibited much better organization on Sunday.  An eye with a diameter of approximately 12 miles (19 km) formed at the center of Halong.  A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Halong.  The strongest rainbands were north and east of the center of circulation.  Bands in the western half of Halong consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Typhoon Halong may have been pulling sinking, drier air into the western half of the circulation, which may be why the bands were weaker in that part of the typhoon.  Storms around the core of Halong were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 10 miles (15 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center.

Typhoon Halong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Halong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge where the winds are weak.  So, there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Halong will continue to intensify and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Halong will move around the western end of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Halong toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  After that time Typhoon Halong will move more toward the north while it moves around the western end of the ridge.  Halong will move northeastward after it moves around the end of the ridge.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Halong is forecast to remain northeast of the Northern Marianas.  Halong is expected to pass between Iwo To and Wake Island later next week.

Tropical Storm Halong Develops East of the Marianas

Tropical Storm Halong developed east of the Marianas on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Halong was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 156.7°E which put it about 820 miles (1325 km) east of Guam.  Halong was moving toward the northwest 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 1000 mb.

A distinct low level center of circulation formed in an area of thunderstorms east of the Marianas on Saturday.  When more thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation, the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Halong.  The circulation around Halong appeared to be organizing quickly.  New thunderstorms were forming close to the center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were also organizing quickly and the bands were starting to revolve around the center of Tropical Storm Halong.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm in all directions.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Halong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next two to three days.  Halong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The winds will be blowing from the south at all levels and so there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Halong will continue to intensify and it could strengthen rapidly.  Halong is likely to strengthen into a typhoon within 36 hours.

The ridge over the Western North Pacific will steer Tropical Storm Halong toward the northwest during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Halong will be northeast of the Marianas by the end of the weekend.