Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Typhoon Chaba Hits Southern China

Leave a reply

Typhoon Chaba hit southern China on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Chaba was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 111.0°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Wuchuan, China. Chaba was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

The center of Typhoon Chaba made landfall on the south coast of China near Wuchuan and Dianbai in Guangdong on Saturday morning. Typhoon Chaba was strengthening when it made landfall. A small circular eye was as the center of Chaba’s circulation. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Chaba. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Chaba toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chaba will move inland over southern China. Chaba will weaken gradually as it moves inland. Typhoon Chaba will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. There were reports a ship broke in two in heavy seas in the South China Sea.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the center Ryukyu Islands. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) east-southeast of Okinawa. Aere was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Chaba Strengthens to a Typhoon Northeast of Hainan

Leave a reply

Former Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened to a typhoon northeast of Hainan Island on Friday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Chaba was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 111.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Wuchuan, China. Chaba 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 and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened to a typhoon over the warm water in the northern South China Sea on Friday afternoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Chaba’s circulation and the strongest winds were occurring in a ring around the center. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Chaba. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Chaba. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Chaba will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the northern part of the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Chaba could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Chaba could make landfall on the coast of southern China near Wuchuan in 12 hours. Chaba will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere intensified gradually southeast of Okinawa. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 23.6°N and longitude 130.4°E which put it about 305 miles (495 km) southeast of Okinawa. Aere was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb. Tropical Storm Aere is forecast to move toward the north-northwest and to continue to strengthen gradually. Aere could be near Okinawa in 18 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba Strengthens South of Hong Kong

Leave a reply

Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Chaba was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 113.7°E which put it about 275 miles (445 km) south of Hong Kong, China. Chaba was moving toward the northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened south of Hong Kong on Thursday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around most of the center of circulation. The strongest winds were occurring in the part of the rainband wrapped around the center. Bands of thunderstorms were occurring in the southern half of Chaba’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of Chaba contained more showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the 24 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the northern part of the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Chaba will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and it could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Chaba could be near the northeastern part of Hainan Island in 18 hours. Chaba could approach the coast of southern China near Zhanjiang in 24 hours. Chaba could be a typhoon when it approaches southern China. It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere formed south-southeast of Okinawa. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 130.8°E which put it about 470 miles (760 km) south-southeast of Okinawa. Aere 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 and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb. Tropical Storm Aere is forecast to move toward the north-northwest and to strengthen gradually. Aere could be near Okinawa in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba Forms over South China Sea

Leave a reply

Tropical Storm Chaba formed over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Chaba was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 115.1°E which put it about 440 miles (710 km) south of Hong Kong, China. Chaba was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong strengthened on Wednesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Chaba. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Chaba was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Chaba’s circulation. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

An upper level ridge over southern China was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Chaba. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear was contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the 36 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, the upper level ridge over southern China will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent some intensification of Chaba. Tropical Storm Chaba is likely to intensify gradually during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the north-northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Chaba could approach Hainan Island and the coast of southern China in 36 hours.

Typhoon Malakas Brings Winds and Rain to Iwo To

Typhoon Malakas brought strong winds and heavy rain to Iwo To on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 25.6°N and longitude 140.4°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west of Two To. Malakas was moving toward the north-northeast at 24 m.p.h (39 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 964 mb.

Typhoon Malakas weakened as it approached Iwo To, but Malakas still brought strong winds and heavy rain to the island. An upper level trough near Japan was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and the shear was affecting the distribution of thunderstorms. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Typhoon Malakas. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

There continued to be a large circulation around Typhoon Malakas. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Malakas was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 21.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.9.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 23˚C. The upper level trough near Japan will continue to produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the typhoon’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. Typhoon Malakas will continue to weaken during the next 36 hours. The combination of colder water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Malakas to make a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough near Japan will steer Typhoon Malakas quickly toward the northeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Malakas will cross the Ogasawara Islands during the next 24 hours. Malakas will bring strong winds and heavy rain the Ogasawara Islands. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Weather conditions should improve on Iwo To on Friday when Malakas moves away from the island.

Typhoon Malakas Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane

Typhoon Malakas intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 137.5°E which put it about 475 miles (770 km) south-southwest of Two To. Malakas was moving toward the north-northeast 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 939 mb.

Typhoon Malakas strengthened to the equivalent of a Cat. 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southwest of Iwo To on Wednesday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Malakas’ 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 to Typhoon Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Malakas was large. Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 260 miles (415 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Malakas was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 24.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.1.

Typhoon Malakas will move into an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. An upper level trough west of Japan will move toward Malakas. When the upper level trough gets closer to Typhoon Malakas, it will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the typhoon’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. When the shear increases, Typhoon Malakas will start to weaken.

The upper level trough west of Japan will steer Typhoon Malakas toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Malakas could approach Iwo To in 30 hours. Typhoon Malakas will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Iwo To and the Ogasawara Islands. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Malakas Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Malakas strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 136.6°E which put it about 605 miles (980 km) southwest of Two To. Malakas was moving toward the northeast at 9 m.p.h (15 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 953 mb.

Typhoon Malakas strengthened quickly to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Malakas’ 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 to Typhoon Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Malakas increased on Tuesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Malakas was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.7.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. The winds at lower levels in the atmosphere will also blow from the south and there will not be much vertical wind shear. Typhoon Malakas could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours. An upper level trough west of Japan will move toward Malakas on Wednesday. When the upper level trough gets closer to Malakas, it will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the typhoon’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. When the shear increases later on Wednesday Typhoon Malakas could start to weaken.

The upper level trough west of Japan will start to steer Typhoon Malakas toward the northeast at a faster speed later on Wednesday. On its anticipated track Malakas could approach Iwo To in 36 hours. Typhoon Malakas will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Iwo To and the Ogasawara Islands.

Typhoon Malakas Intensifies Southwest of Iwo To

Typhoon Malakas intensified southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 135.2°E which put it about 740 miles (1195 km) southwest of Two To. Malakas was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Typhoon Malakas intensified more quickly over the Western North Pacific Ocean southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday morning. A circular eye developed at the center of Malakas’ 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 Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. The winds at lower levels in the atmosphere will also blow from the south and there will not be much vertical wind shear. Typhoon Malakas will intensify during the next 24 hours. Malakas could undergo a period of rapid intensification since an inner core with an eye and an eyewall has developed. Typhoon Malakas could strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the north during that time period. Typhoon Malakas will move toward the northeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track Malakas could approach Iwo To in 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Megi weakened just east of the Philippines. There were reports of mudslides and casualties caused by heavy rain dropped by Megi. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Megi was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 126.0°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the east at 5 m.p.h (8 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.

Malakas Intensifies to a Typhoon North of Yap

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon north of Yap on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 14.5°N and longitude 135.6°E which put it about 365 miles (585 km) north-northwest of Yap. Malakas was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h (15 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 976 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon on Monday over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Malakas. An eyewall appeared to be forming, but the rainband had not yet wrapped completely around the northern side of the center of circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Typhoon Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could intensify more rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall develops. Typhoon Malakas could strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the north during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move toward the northeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Typhoon Malakas could approach Iwo To in three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Megi dropped heavy rain over the central Philippines. There were reports of mudslides and casualties caused by the heavy rain. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south-southeast of Placer, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

Tropical Storm Malakas Passes Between Guam and Yap

Tropical Storm Malakas passed between Guam and Yap on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 12.0°N and longitude 139.7°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) west of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the northwest at 29 m.p.h (46 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 982 mb.

Tropical Storm Malakas brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Fais on Saturday night as it passed between Guam and Yap. The circulation around Malakas strengthened on Saturday. The heaviest rain was occurring in a band that was wrapping around the southern side of the center of Tropical Storm Malakas. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Malakas. 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 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Malakas.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. Malakas could approach Iwo To in four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 03W strengthened to Tropical Storm Megi near the Philippines. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 125.9°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the northwest 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. Tropical Storm Megi could drop heavy rain over Samar and Leyte. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.