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Typhoon Rai Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 9.5°N and longitude 128.3°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) east of Dinagat, Philippines. Rai was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

Typhoon Rai intensified very rapidly during Wednesday afternoon and it reached the equivalent of a major hurricane. . A small circular eye with a diameter of 8 miles (13 km) was at the center of Rai’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 Rai. Storms near the core of Rai generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away to the west and north of the typhoon. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Rai increased in size as it rapidly intensified. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Rai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Rai was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.2. Typhoon Rai was capable of doing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Rai 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Typhoon Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the wind shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Typhoon Rai will continue to strengthen during the next 12 hours. Rai could continue to rapidly intensify during the next few hours.

Typhoon Rai will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Rai toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Rai could approach northern Mindanao in 12 hours. Rai will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the Philippines. Typhoon Rai will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Mindanao, Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Panay Island. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Rai will cause a significant storm surge along coasts where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Typhoon Rai Strengthens East of Mindanao

Typhoon Rai strengthened east of Mindanao on Wednesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 9.5°N and longitude 129.3°E which put it about 260 miles (415 km) east of Dinagat, Philippines. Rai was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 969 mb.

Typhoon Rai continued to intensify during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. A small circular eye was at the center of Rai’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 Rai. The strongest rainbands were in the western and southern parts of the typhoon. Storms near the core of Rai generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Rai tightened as it intensified. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Rai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Rai was 13.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 23.9. Typhoon Rai was capable of doing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Rai 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Typhoon Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the wind shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Typhoon Rai will continue to strengthen during the next 18 hours. Rai could undergo a period of rapid intensification

Typhoon Rai will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Rai toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Rai could approach northern Mindanao in 18 hours. Rai will be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines. Typhoon Rai will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Mindanao, Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Panay Island. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Rai will cause a significant storm surge along coasts where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Rai Intensifies to a Typhoon East of the Philippines

Former Tropical Storm Rai intensified to a typhoon east of the Philippines on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 9.0°N and longitude 131.7°E which put it about 180 miles (290 km) northwest of Koror, Palau. Rai was moving toward the west 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 981 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Rai intensified steadily on Tuesday over the Western North Pacific Ocean and it reached typhoon intensity on Tuesday night. A small circular eye formed at the center of Rai. 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 Rai. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Rai’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center.

Typhoon Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Rai 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Typhoon Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the wind shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Typhoon Rai will continue to strengthen. Rai could intensify more rapidly now that an inner core with an eye and an eyewall has formed.

Typhoon Rai will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Rai toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Rai could approach northern Mindanao in 24 hours. Rai will be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines. Typhoon Rai will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Mindanao, Siargao Island, Dinegat Island, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Panay Island. Rai will cause a significant storm surge along coasts where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Storm Rai Strengthens East of Palau

Tropical Storm Rai strengthened east of Palau on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rai was located at latitude 7.7°N and longitude 136.3°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) east of Koror, Palau. Rai was moving toward the west-northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Rai strengthened steadily over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Monday. Although Rai intensified, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Rai’s circulation. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern side of the center of Rai’s circulation. Bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Rai.

Tropical Storm Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Rai 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the shear is already contributing to the current asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. The upper level winds are forecast to weaken, and the vertical wind shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Rai will intensify and it likely to strengthen to a typhoon during the next 24 hours. Rai could strengthen more rapidly once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall forms.

Tropical Storm Rai will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Rai toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Rai will north of Palau during the next 12 hours. Rai could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Palau. Tropical Storm Rai could approach the Philippines in 60 hours. Rai is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines.

Tropical Storm Rai Forms Southeast of Yap

Tropical Storm Rai formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Yap on Monday morning. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rai was located at latitude 5.5°N and longitude 140.5°E which put it about 355 miles (575 km) southeast of Yap. Rai was moving toward the west-northwest 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 998 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system strengthened on Monday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Rai. Thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Rai. More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Rai. 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 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Rai.

Tropical Storm Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Rai 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Rai will intensify during the next several days. Rai could strengthen to a typhoon within 36 hours. It could strengthen more rapidly once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall forms.

Tropical Storm Rai will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Rai toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Rai will south of Yap during the next 24 hours. Rai could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Yap. Tropical Storm Rai could affect Palau within 36 hours. Rai could approach the Philippines within 72 hours. Rai is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong Nears Southern Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Fung-wong neared the southern Ryukyu Islands on Thursday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 23.3°N and longitude 124.9°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) south-southwest of Harari, Japan.  Fung-wong was moving toward the north-northeast at13 m.p.h. (20 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 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong was weakening gradually as it neared the southern Ryukyu Islands.  An upper level trough over east Asia was producing southwesterly winds which were blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  There was still a well defined low level center of circulation.  A broken ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center and the strongest winds were occurring near the center of Fung-wong.  Most of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands north and east of the center of circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of circulation.

A high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean and the trough over east Asia will interact to steer Tropical Storm Fung-wong toward the north-northeast during the next 24 to 36 hours.  On its anticipated track Fung-wong will move over the southern Ryukyu Islands during the next 24 hours.  The center of the tropical storm could pass close to Miyako Jima in about 12 hours.  Tropical Storm Fung-wong will continue to weaken gradually because of the moderate vertical wind shear.  Fung-wong will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to some of the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Kalmaegi was moving across the South China Sea toward Vietnam.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Kalmaegi was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 114.5°E which put it about 550 miles (890 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 1004 mb.  Tropical Depression Kalmaegi could drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern Vietnam during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Tuesday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 121.2°W which put it about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of Baguio, Philippines.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the south-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 987 mb.

Former Typhoon Kalmaegi weakened to a tropical storm before it made landfall on the north coast of Luzon near Aparri.  Kalmaegi was under the western end of an upper level ridge.  The ridge produced strong southerly winds which blew toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear which weakened thunderstorms in the southern half of the circulation.  Drier air from Asia was pulled into the western part of the tropical storm.  The stronger thunderstorms were occurring northeast of the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center in most parts of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.  A high pressure system over Asia was contributing to a bigger pressure gradient in the northwestern quadrant of Kalmaegi and winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) in that area.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was dropping locally heavy rain over parts of northern Luzon.  The heavy rain was creating the potential for flash floods.  Kalmaegi will be steered toward the southwest by the high pressure system over Asia. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will pass near Baguio.  Kalmaegi will continue to weaken as it moves over northern Luzon.  It will move over the South China Sea northwest of Manila.  Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will continue to drop heavy rain over parts of Luzon and the flash flood threat will continue for several more days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Fung-wong developed east of Luzon on Tuesday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 127.8°E which put it about 425 miles (685 km) east-southeast of Aparri, Philippines.  Fung-wong was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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.  Tropical Storm Fung-wong is forecast to strengthen during the next 36 hours while it moves toward the Luzon Strait.

Large Typhoon Trami Brings Wind and Rain to Japan

Large Typhoon Trami brought wind and rain to Japan on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Trami was located at latitude 31.8°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) southwest of Kochi, Japan.  Trami was moving toward the northeast at 22 m.p.h. (33 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

There was still a large eye at the center of Typhoon Trami, but the ring of thunderstorms around the eye was beginning to look a little more ragged.  However, the circulation around Trami was very large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 155 miles (250 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 355 miles (575 km) from the center.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Trami was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 49.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 67.4.  Typhoon Trami was capable of causing extensive serious damage.

Typhoon Trami brought strong winds and heavy rain to Okinawa and the northern Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  There were reports of damage.  The northern eyewall of Trami passed over Kyushu.  Strong winds and heavy rain were falling in that region.  Heavy rain and strong winds will reach Shikoku shortly.  The center of Typhoon Trami could be near Kyoto in about six hours.  Trami will move northeast across Honshu on Sunday.  It will bring heavy rain and gusty winds to much of Japan.  Flash flooding will be possible over much of Japan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean Tropical Storm Kong-rey was strengthening southeast of the Ryukyu Islands.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kong-rey was located at latitude 14.1°N and longitude 138.1°E which put it about 1165 miles (1880 km) east of Manila, Philippines.  Kong-rey was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 983 mb.

Large Typhoon Trami Nears Okinawa

Large Typhoon Trami neared Okinawa late on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Trami was located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 135 miles (225 km) south-southwest of Okinawa.  Trami was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 949 mb.

After completing an eyewall replacement cycle over a day ago that left it weaker, but larger, Typhoon Trami has been in a relatively steady state.  There is a very large eye with a diameter of almost 100 miles (160 km) at the center of circulation.  The eye is surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds are occurring in that ring of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms are revolving around the large eye.

The circulation around Typhoon Trami is large.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 235 miles (380 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Trami is 17.8.  Th Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 26.9 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 44.7.  Those indices indicate that Typhoon Trami is capable of causing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Trami is already bringing wind and rain to Okinawa and some of the Ryukyu Islands.  The northern eyewall is over Okinawa and the northern part of the large eye will reach it soon.  Trami will bring strong, damaging winds to Okinawa and the northern Ryukyu Islands during the next 24 hours.  It will also drop heavy rain and flash floods could occur.

Typhoon Trami is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge.  it will start to move more quickly toward the northeast on Sunday.  Trami could reach Shikoku and Honshu in about 48 hours.  Trmai will still be a typhoon when it reaches the larger islands of Japan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 30W was passing south of Guam.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression 30W was located at latitude 11.6°N and longitude 145.7°E which put it about 110 miles (185 km) south-southeast of Guam.  It was moving toward the northwest at 27 m.p.h. (43 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 30W is forecast to strengthen and it could take track similar to the path of Typhoon Trami.

Typhoon Trami Moves Slowly Toward Okinawa

Typhoon Trami moved slowly toward Okinawa on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Trami was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 345 miles (560 km) south of Okinawa.  Trami was moving toward the north at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 949 mb.

The structure of Typhoon Trami changed significantly during the past 48 hours.  A second eyewall replacement cycle produced a larger eye and a bigger circulation.  Very slow movement of Typhoon Trami allowed the wind to mix cooler water to the surface.  Cooler water meant that there was less energy in the upper ocean to fuel the circulation.  The combination of the eyewall replacement cycle and cooler water resulted in a reduction of the wind speed and the surface pressure increased.

Although it is not as strong as it was 48 hours ago , Typhoon Trami is still a large powerful typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 225 miles (360 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Trami is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 24.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 42.3.  Typhoon Trami is capable of producing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Trami is likely to weaken slowly while it remains over the cooler water it has mixed to the surface.  When Trami moves north of that water in 12 to 24 hours, it will move into a more favorable environment.  Typhoon Trami will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will still be in an area where the upper level winds are not too strong and there will not be much vertical wind shear.  The broad circulation and large eye will prevent rapid intensification, but Typhoon Trami could strengthen on Friday.

Typhoon Trami will still be in area where the steering winds are weak on Thursday.  It will move slowly toward the north during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Eventually a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean will begin to steer Typhoon Trami again.  Typhoon Trami will move toward the north at a faster rate on Friday.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Trami could be near Okinawa by late Friday.  Typhoon Trami could approach Kyushu in about 72 hours and it could move across Honshu during the weekend.