Tropical Storm Mirinae is bringing wind and heavy rain as it moves inland over northern Vietnam.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm MIrinae was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 105.6°E which put it about 45 miles (70 km) south of Hanoi, Vietnam.  Mirinae was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (70 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

As it moved over the Gulf of Tongking, Tropical Storm Mirinae intensified rapidly during the final few hours before it made landfall on the coast of northern Vietnam.  Microwave and infrared satellite imagery indicates that an eye developed in the center of circulation and a circular ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye.  Tropical Storm Mirinae may have been near typhoon intensity at the time it made landfall.

Tropical Storm Mirinae has weakened somewhat as it moved inland over northern Vietnam.  However, it does still exhibit a very well organized, circular structure.  The upper level divergence has been more impressive than it has been at any time during the existence of Mirinae.  The strongest winds are occurring near the core of the tropical storm and in rainbands over the open water of the Gulf of Tongking.  Mirinae will gradually weaken further as the circulation spins down over land.

Tropical Storm Mirinae will produce very heavy rain as it moves across northern Vietnam toward northern Laos.  The rapid intensification and improved structure of Mirinae mean that the rain will be heavier and will continue for a longer period.  Heavy, persistent rainfall will create the potential for serious flash flooding.