Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Tropical Storm Pulasan Forms Southeast of Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Pulasan formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of the Ryukyu Islands on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Pulasan was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 137.8°E which put the center about 450 miles (725 km) south-southwest of Iwo To.  Pulasan was moving toward the west-northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 997 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Pulasan was very large, but there were not many thunderstorms present.  Bands revolving around the center of Pulasan’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were occurring in a band in the far eastern periphery of Tropical Storm Pulasan.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in a band in the far southern periphery of Pulasan’s circulation.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Pulasan was very large, but the distribution of wind speeds was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 265 miles (425 km) in the eastern side of Pulasan’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Pulasan were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Pulasan will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Pulasan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the eastern side of a large upper level low centered east of Taiwan.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Pulasan’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Pulasan could intensify a little during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Pulasan will move around the northern side of a large counterclockwise circulation sometimes called a monsoon gyre.  The large counterclockwise circulation will steer Pulasan quickly toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Pulasan will be near the Ryukyu Islands in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Pulasan will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, former Typhoon Bebinca weakened to a tropical depression over eastern China.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Bebinca was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 117.0°E which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) west of Nanjing, China.  Bebinca was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Typhoon Bebinca Brings Wind and Rain to Shanghai

Typhoon Bebinca brought wind and rain to Shanghai on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Bebinca located at latitude 31.1°N and longitude 121.0°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) south-southeast of Shanghai, China.  Bebinca was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 970 mb.

The center of Typhoon Bebinca made landfall on the east coast of China just to the southeast of Shanghai on Sunday night.  A small circular eye was present at the center of Bebinca’s circulation at the time of landfall.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Bebinca.

The circulation around Typhoon Bebinca was small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Bebinca’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Bebinca.

Typhoon Bebinca will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Bebinca toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bebinca will move farther inland over eastern China.

Typhoon Bebinca will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region of China near Shanghai.  Bebinca will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Jiangsu and Zhejiang.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Bebinca could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast near Shanghai.  Bebinca will weaken as it moves inland, but heavy rain could fall over the region west of Shanghai.

Typhoon Bebinca Brings Wind and Rain to Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Bebinca brought wind and rain to the Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Bebinca located at latitude 28.5°N and longitude 128.6°E which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) west-northeast of Amami Oshima.  Bebinca was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 973 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Bebinca strengthened to a typhoon as it passed over the Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  The center of Typhoon Bebinca passed over Amami Oshima.  A weather station in Naze, Japan reported 8.76 inches (222.5 mm) of rain.  A weather station in Kasari, Japan reported 4.80 inches (122.0 mm) of rain.  That weather station also reported a sustained wind speed of 52 m.p.h. (84 km/h).  A weather station in Koniya, Japan reported 3.33 inches (84.5 mm) of rain.  That weather station also reported a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h).

Former Tropical Storm Bebinca strengthened to a typhoon on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern, northern and western sides of the center of Bebinca’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Bebinca.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Bebinca became more symmetrical on Saturday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Bebinca’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Bebinca.

Typhoon Bebinca will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bebinca will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge east of China.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bebinca will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Bebinca could intensify rapidly at times.

Typhoon Bebinca will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that extends from China to the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bebinca toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bebinca will approach the east coast of China near Shanghai.

Typhoon Bebinca will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region of China near Shanghai.  Typhoon Bebinca will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Jiangsu and Zhejiang.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Bebinca Moves Toward Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Bebinca moved over the Western North Pacific Ocean toward the Ryukyu Islands on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 133.3°E which put the center about 405 miles (655 km) east-southeast of Okinawa.  Bebinca was moving toward the northwest at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Bebinca strengthened on Friday as it moved toward the Ryukyu Islands.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Bebinca’s circulation.  Even though more thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Bebinca’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Bebinca consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Bebinca generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Bebinca was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the northern half of Bebinca’s circulation.  The winds in the southern half of Tropical Storm Bebinca were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Bebinca will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bebinca will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the northeastern part of an upper level low east of Taiwan.  The upper level low will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Bebinca’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Bebinca will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Bebinca will move around the northeastern part of a large low pressure system east of Taiwan.  The low pressure system will steer Bebinca toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bebinca will reach the Ryukyu Islands in less than 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Bebinca could intensify to a typhoon before it reaches the Ryukyu Islands.  Bebinca will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Miniamidaitohima, Okinawa and Amami.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Bebinca Forms Near Guam

Tropical Storm Bebinca formed near Guam on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 144.0°E which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Guam.  Bebinca was moving toward the west-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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

A low pressure system near Guam strengthened on Tuesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Bebinca.  Bebinca brought wind and rain to the Marianas.  A weather station at Guam International Airport (PGUM) reported a sustained wind speed of 28 m.p.h. (45 km/h) and a wind gust of 45 m.p.h. (73 km/h).

The circulation around Tropical Storm Bebinca was exhibiting more organization on Tuesday afternoon.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Bebinca’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also formed in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Bebinca.  Bands in the western side of Bebinca’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Bebinca generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the pressure to decrease.

The distribution of winds speeds in Tropical Storm Bebinca was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Bebinca’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the other parts of Tropical Storm Bebinca.

Tropical Storm Bebinca will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bebinca will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Bebinca’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Bebinca will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Bebinca is likely to strengthen to a typhoon later this week.

Tropical Storm Bebinca will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bebinca toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bebinca will move west of the Marianas.  Bebinca could approach the Ryukyu Islands by the end of the week.

Typhoon Yagi Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi brought wind and rain to northern Vietnam on Saturday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Yagi was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 106.5°E which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) east of Hanoi, Vietnam.  Yagi was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

Typhoon Yagi was the equivalent of a major hurricane when it made landfall on the northern coast of Vietnam near Haiphong.  A small circular eye was present at the center of Yagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  The strongest winds moved over the coastal regions of northern Vietnam.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Yagi’s circulation.  Storms dropped heavy rain on northern Vietnam.

‘Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Typhoon Yagi.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of Yagi’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yagi was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HII) was 20.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.2.  Typhoon Yagi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Jeanne when Jeanne hit southeast Florida in 2004.

Typhoon Yagi will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Yagi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Yagi will move across northern Vietnam.  The center of Typhoon Yagi will pass near Hanoi in a few hours.

Typhoon Yagi will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland over northern Vietnam.  Yagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Vietnam during the next 24 hours.  Yagi is capable of causing major damage.  Heavy rain will cause floods in many locations.  Widespread outages of electricity are likely.

 

Typhoon Yagi Hits Hainan

Typhoon Yagi hit Hainan on Friday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Yagi was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 109.8°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) west of Haikou, China.  Yagi was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 928 mb.

Typhoon Yagi brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hainan on Friday morning.  The core of Typhoon Yagi moved over the northeastern part of Hainan.  A small circular eye was present at the center of Yagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  The strongest winds moved over the northern coastal regions of Hainan.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Yagi’s circulation.  Storms dropped heavy rain on Hainan and southern China.

The formation of concentric eyewalls on Thursday caused the size of Typhoon Yagi’s circulation to increase.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Yagi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) from the center of Typhoon Yagi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yagi was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HII) was 24.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 53.2.  Typhoon Yagi was similar in size to Hurricane Jeanne when Jeanne hit southeast Florida in 2004.  Yagi was stronger than Jeanne was.

Typhoon Yagi will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  The center of Yagi’s circulation 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.  However, Typhoon Yagi may not intensify during the next 12 hours because the core of Yagi’s circulation was somewhat disrupted as it moved across Hainan.

Typhoon Yagi will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Yagi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Yagi will reach northeastern Vietnam in 12 hours.  Typhoon Yagi could still be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches VIetnam.

Typhoon Yagi will continue to produce strong winds and heavy rain in parts of Hainan during the  next few hours.  Yagi will be capable of causing major damage in Hainan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations. Typhoon Yagi will also produce strong winds and heavy rain in parts of southern China.  Yagi will produce strong winds and heavy rain in southwestern Guangdong and Guangxi.  Typhoon Yagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northeastern Vietnam during the weekend.  Yagi is likely to cause floods in northeastern Vietnam.  Typhoon Yagi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of northeastern Vietnam.

Typhoon Yagi Passes South of Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Yagi passed south of Hong Kong on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Yagi was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 112.5°E which put the center about 230 miles (370 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong.  Yagi was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 923 mb.

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall at the core of Typhoon Yagi and concentric eyewalls formed.  The formation of concentric eyewalls ended the intensification of Typhoon Yagi, but Yagi was still the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

A circular eye with a diameter of 23 miles (37 km) was at the center of Yagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  A second outer ring of thunderstorms surrounded the inner eyewall.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Yagi.  Storms near the core of Yagi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The formation of concentric eyewalls caused the size of Typhoon Yagi’s circulation to increase.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Yagi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (330 km) from the center of Typhoon Yagi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yagi was 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HII) was 24.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.4.  Typhoon Yagi was similar in intensity to Hurricane Laura when Laura hit southwest Louisiana in 2020.  Yagi is bigger than Laura was.

Typhoon Yagi will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Yagi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the South China Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Even though Typhoon Yagi will move through a favorable environment, the concentric eyewalls may prevent Yagi from intensifying.  If the inner eyewalls weakens, then Typhoon Yagi could weaken as well.  If the inner eyewall remains intact, then Typhoon Yagi could intensify during the next few hours.

Typhoon Yagi will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Yagi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Yagi will reach northeastern Hainan in 12 hours.  Typhoon Yagi is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Hainan.

Typhoon Yagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Hainan.  Yagi will be capable of causing major damage in Hainan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Yagi could also cause a storm surge of up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) along the coast of northeastern Hainan.  Yagi will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong and Guangxi.

 

Typhoon Yagi Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Yagi rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South China Sea on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Yagi was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 116.6°E which put the center about 275 miles (445 km) southeast of Hong Kong.  Yagi was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Typhoon Yagi rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a majoro hurricane on Wednesday.  A circular eye was visible at the center of Yagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Yagi.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped large amounts of mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Yagi increased in size as Yagi intensified rapidly.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Yagi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Typhoon Yagi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yagi was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.8.  Typhoon Yagi was similar in intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Florida in 2005.  Yagi is larger than Dennis was.

Typhoon Yagi will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Yagi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Yagi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Yagi could continue to intensify rapidly during the next few hours.  If the inner end of rainband wraps around the eye and eyewall in the core of Yagi’s circulation, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Typhoon Yagi to weaken.

Typhoon Yagi will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Yagi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Yagi will be south of Hong Kong in 24 hours.  Yagi will approach Hainan and the coast of southern China in 36 hours.  Typhoon Yagi is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Hainan and the coast of southern China.

Typhoon Yagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern China later this week.  Yagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

 

Yagi Strengthens to a Typhoon Southeast of Hong Kong

Former Tropical Storm Yagi strengthened to a typhoon southeast of Hong Kong on Tuesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Yagi was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 117.5°E which put the center about 315 miles (510 km) southeast of Hong Kong.  Yagi was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Yagi intensified rapidly to a typhoon after it moved over the South China Sea.  A circular eye formed at the center of Yagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Yagi.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Yagi was symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Yagi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Yagi.

Typhoon Yagi will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Yagi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Yagi will intensify during then next 24 hours.  Yagi could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Yagi will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Yagi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Yagi will be south of Hong Kong in 36 hours.  Yagi will approach Hainan and the coast of southern China in 48 hours.  Typhoon Yagi could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Hainan and the coast of southern China.