Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Tropical Storm Nesat Develops near Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Nesat developed over the Western North Pacific Ocean near northern Luzon on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 123.5°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) east of Claveria, Philippines. Nesat was moving toward the west at 25 m.p.h. (40 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.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean near northern Luzon strengthened on Saturday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Nesat. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Nesat was asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Nesat’s circulation. Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Nesat consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Nesat generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the northern side of Nesat’s circulation. The winds in the southern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Nesat will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Storm Nesat is likely to strengthen during the next 36 hours. Nesat could intensify to a typhoon by the end of the weekend.

Tropical Storm Nesat will move around the southern side of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nesat toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nesat will pass near northern Luzon during the next 24 hours. Nesat will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Nesat will move over the South China Sea on Sunday.

Typhoon Noru Makes Landfall in Central Vietnam

Typhoon Noru made landfall on the coast of central Vietnam near Da Nang on Tuesday evening. At 7:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 108.1°E which put it about 5 miles (10 km) north of Da Nang, Vietnam. Noru was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 959 mb.

The core of Typhoon Noru made landfall near Da Nang, Vietnam on Tuesday evening. The distribution of thunderstorms around Noru became asymmetrical as it approached the coast of Vietnam. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in the western half of Noru’s circulation. Typhoon Noru was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.1. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Noru will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 36 hours. Typhoon Noru will weaken as it moves farther inland. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will move across central Vietnam during the next 12 hours. Noru will move over southern Laos and eastern Thailand. The strongest winds will occur in the area around Da Nang and Hue. Typhoon Noru will drop locally heavy rain over central Vietnam, southern Laos and eastern Thailand. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kulap strengthened gradually southeast of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 145.2°E which put it about 395 miles (640 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Kulap was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Typhoon Noru Moves Toward Vietnam

Typhoon Noru moved over the South China Sea toward Vietnam on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 113.3E which put it about 380 miles (615 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Noru was moving toward the west at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 Noru strengthened on Monday afternoon as it moved toward central Vietnam. A small circular eye was present at the center of Noru’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 Noru. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru increased in size on Monday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Noru’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Norw was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.7. Typhoon Nora was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Noru 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 eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Noru is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Noru could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will hit the coast of Vietnam near Da Nang in 24 hours. Typhoon Noru will be capable of causing major damage when it hits central Vietnam. Noru will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to central Vietnam. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kulap passed near Iwo To. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 27.4°N and longitude 141.8°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) north-northeast of Iwo To. Kulap was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 Noru Hits Luzon

Typhoon Noru hit Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 926 mb.

Small, but powerful Typhoon Noru hit the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila on Sunday morning. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 72 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Noru will move across central Luzon. The center of Noru could pass just north of Manila in a few hours. Typhoon Noru will bring strong, gusty winds to central Luzon. Severe damage could occur near the small core of Noru’s circulation. Widespread electrical outages are likely. Heavy rain will also fall over near the core of Typhoon Noru. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Since the circulation around Typhoon Noru is small, it is likely to weaken quickly while it passes over Luzon. There is a chance that Noru could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. Noru will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea. Noru 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 eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.

Typhoon Noru could approach the coast of Vietnam in less than 72 hours. Noru could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of Vietnam.

Typhoon Noru Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane East of Luzon

Typhoon Noru very rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 124.1°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 920 mb.

Typhoon Noru intensified very rapidly from a tropical storm to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in 24 hours. A small, pinhole eye with a diameter of 7 miles (11 km) formed at the center of Noru’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 Noru. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon. The removal of so much mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 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 Noru could intensify to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will make landfall on the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila. Typhoon Noru be the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall. Noru will produce severe wind damage. Heavy rain could cause flash floods. Typhoon Noru could produce a storm surge up to 15 feet (5 meters) along the east coast of Luzon. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Tropical Storm Talas Nears Japan

Tropical Storm Talas moved near Japan on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Talas was located at latitude 31.4°N and longitude 135.1°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) southwest of Tokyo, Japan. Talas was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 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.

The circulation around a small low pressure system just south of Honshu strengthened on Thursday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Talas. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Talas was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Talas’ circulation. Bands in the rest of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Talas. The winds in the western side of Talas were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Talas will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Talas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over eastern Asia. The upper level trough will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Talas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will be strong enough to prevent significant intensification.

The upper level trough over eastern Asia will steer Tropical Storm Talas quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Talas will be near Tokyo in 18 hours. Talas will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Honshu. The small size of Talas’ circulation will limit the impact of the storm.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm 18W developed east of Luzon. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm 18W was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 132.1°E which put it about 640 miles (1030 km) east of Luzon. Tropical Storm 18W 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. Tropical Storm 18W is forecast to move toward northern Luzon and to strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Nanmadol Brings Wind and Rain to Japan

Tropical Storm Nanmadol brought wind and rain to Japan on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Nanmadol was located at latitude 34.5°N and longitude 131.9°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) west of Hiroshima, Japan. Nanmadol was moving toward the north-northeast 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 976 mb.

Former Typhoon Nanmadol weakened to a strong tropical storm as it moved inland over Kyushu on Sunday. The circulation around Tropical Storm Nanmadol was still large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of Nanmadol. The strongest winds and heaviest rain were occurring in band in the eastern and northern parts of Nanmadol. Bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Storm Nanmadol consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The eye of then Typhoon Nanmadol moved over Kagoshima earlier on Sunday. A weather station in Kagoshima measured a surface pressure of 940.8 mb. The same weather station also measured 7.10 inches (180 mm) of rain. Heavy rain fell over many other locations in Kyushu and there were reports of flash floods in some locations.

An upper level trough northwest of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Nanmadol quickly toward the northeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nanmadol will move over much of Honshu. Nanmadol will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Shikoku and Honshu. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Nanmadol Brings Strong Wind and Heavy Rain to Kyushu

Typhoon Nanmadol brought strong winds and heavy rain to Kyushu on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Nanmadol was located at latitude 31.1°N and longitude 130.6°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south of Kagoshima, Japan. Nanmadol was moving toward the north-northwest 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 969 mb.

The center of Typhoon Nanmadol was moving inland over Kyushu on Sunday morning. Nanmadol was a large an powerful typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Nanmadol. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Nanmadol was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 30.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.1. Typhoon Nanmadol was capable of causing extensive serious damage.

Typhoon Nanmadol will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 12 hours. The high pressure system will steer Nanmadol toward the north during that time. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Nanmadol will continue to move farther inland over Kyushu. Nanmadol will continue to produce strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Kyushu. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. The westerly winds in the middle latitudes will Nanmadol toward the northeast later today. Typhoon Nanmadol will move over Honshu tomorrow. Nanmadol will bring strong winds and heavy rain to much of Honshu and Shikoku, when it moves northeastward.

Typhoon Nanmadol Near Yakushima

The center of Typhoon Nanmadol was near Yakushima on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Nanmadol was located at latitude 30.2°N and longitude 130.8°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) south of Kagoshima, Japan. Nanmadol was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 951 mb.

The eye of Typhoon Nanmadol was just southeast of Yakushima on Saturday night. The northwestern part of the eyewall was over Yakushima. Bands on the northern side of Typhoon Nanmadol were producing gusty winds and locally heavy rain over Kyushu.

Nanmadol was a large typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Typhoon Nanmadol. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Nanmadol was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 29.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.1. Typhoon Nanmadol was capable of causing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Nanmadol will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Nanmadol toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Nanmadol will reach southwestern Kyushu in a few hours. Nanmadol will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Kyushu. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. The westerly winds in the middle latitudes will Nanmadol toward the northeast in a day or so. Typhoon Nanmadol will move over Honshu early next week. Nanmadol will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Honshu and Shikoku.

Powerful Typhoon Nanmadol Is East of Okinawa

Powerful Typhoon Nanamadol was east of Okinawa on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Nanmadol was located at latitude 26.4°N and longitude 132.7°E which put it about 330 miles (530 km) east of Okinawa. Nanmadol was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 926 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Nanmadol was churning over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of Okinawa on Friday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 23 miles (37 km) was present at the center of Nanmadol. 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 Nanmadol. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon in all directions.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Nanmadol increased on Friday when Nanmadol intensified. Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Nanmadol. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 260 miles (420 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Nanmadol was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 28.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 59.6. Typhoon Nanmadol was capable of causing widespread severe damage.

Typhoon Nanmadol will move through an environment capable of supporting a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Nanmadol will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Nanmadol could maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. That would be the start of an eyewall replacement cycle that would cause Nanmadol to weaken.

Typhoon Nanmadol will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nanmadol toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Nanmadol will be east of Minami Daito Jima within 12 hours. Nanmadol could be east of Amami Oshima in 24 hours. Typhoon Nanmadol will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of the northern Ryukyu Islands during the weekend. Nanmadol could be near western Kyushu in 36 hours.