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Typhoon Rai Brings Wind and Rain to the Southern Philippines

Typhoon Rai brought wind and rain to the southern Philippines on Thursday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 10.0°N and longitude 120.4°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) east of Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Rai was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Typhoon Rai brought strong winds and heavy rain as it moved across the southern Philippines on Thursday. The core of Typhoon Rai affected Siarago Island, Dinagat Island, northern Mindanao, southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros and southern Panay Island. There were reports of wind damage, power outages and flash floods across the southern Philippines.

Typhoon Rai moved over the Sulu Sea on Thursday night and its structure remained well organized. A circular eye was present at the center of Rai’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a broken 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 Rai. Storms near the core of Rai 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 Typhoon Rai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (245 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Rai was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.9 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.5. Rai was capable of causing regional major damage.

Although Typhoon Rai weakened when the center passed over the islands of the southern Philippines, it will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong typhoon as it moves over the Sulu Sea. 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 cause much weakening. Typhoon Rai is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. Rai could strengthen when it moves over the South China Sea during the weekend.

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 during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the core of Typhoon Rai will move across Palawan during the next 12 hours. Rai will be capable of causing major damage. It will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Palawan on Friday. Typhoon Rai will move over the South China Sea during the weekend. Rai could approach Vietnam by the end of the weekend.

Typhoon Rai Hits the Southern Philippines

Powerful Typhoon Rai hit the southern Philippines on Thursday morning. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 10.0°N and longitude 125.3°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Maasin, Philippines. Rai was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 927 mb.

The center of powerful Typhoon Rai made landfall on Siargao Island on Thursday morning. The core of Rai’s circulation moved over Dinagat Island and northern Mindanao. The center of Typhoon Rai was over the Bohol Sea just to the south of Leyte. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall of Typhoon Rai as it hit the southern Philippines. Microwave satellite images indicated that concentric eyewalls formed, which increased the size of the core of Rai. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Typhoon 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 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.9 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 50.5. Rai was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Rai will weaken when the center is over land, but it will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong typhoon as it moves over the southern Philippines. 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 cause much weakening. Typhoon Rai weaken gradually when the center passes over land.

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 36 hours. On its anticipated track the core of Typhoon Rai will pass over southern Leyte, northern Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros, southern Panay Island, northern Palawan, Linapacan Island, Culion Island and Busuanga Island. Typhoon Rai will weaken when the center passes over land, but it will be the equivalent of a major hurricane as it moves across the southern Philippines. Typhoon Rai will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Mindanao, Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Negros, Bohol, Panay Island, Palawan, Linacapan Island, Culion Island and Busuanga 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 could cause severe damage in locations that experience the inner core of the circulation.

Typhoon Rai Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Rai was located at latitude 9.8°N and longitude 126.3°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) east of Dinagat, Philippines. Rai was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Typhoon Rai continued to intensify very rapidly during Wednesday evening and it strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. 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 continued rapid removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease very rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Rai exhibited more symmetry as it rapidly intensified. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 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 35.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 52.5. Typhoon Rai was capable of doing regional catastrophic damage.

Typhoon Rai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few 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 could continue to strengthen until the center makes landfall in southern Philippines in a few hours. Rai will weaken when the center passes over land.

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 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Rai will pass over Siargao Island in a few hours. The core of Rai will pass over Dinagat Island, southern Leyte, northern Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros and southern Panay Island. Typhoon Rai will weaken when the center passes over land, but it will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it moves across the southern 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 could cause catastrophic damage in locations that experience the inner core of the circulation.

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 Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 120.9°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Claveria, Philippines. Kompasu was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 981 mb.

Rainbands in the southern side of Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. The center of Kompasu passed just north of Luzon. Thunderstorms in bands in southern half of Tropical Storm Kompasu passed over the northern end of Luzon. Kompasu strengthened as it approached northern Luzon. More thunderstorms developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu. 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 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Kompasu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move south of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kompasu’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Kompasu is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 24 hours. Kompasu could intensify to a typhoon over the South China Sea.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Kompasu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu will pass south of Hong Kong in 24 hours. Kompasu could approach Hainan in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Namtheun intensified east of the northern Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Namtheun was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 154.0°E which put it about 555 miles (895 km) east of Agrihan. Namtheun was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Lionrock Drops Heavy Rain on Northern Vietnam

Tropical Storm Lionrock dropped heavy rain on parts of northern Vietnam on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Lionrock was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 107.1°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Haiphong, Vietnam. Lionrock was moving toward the west-northwest 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 995 mb.

Tropical Storm Lionrock dropped heavy rain over the part of northern Vietnam between Hanoi and Haiphong on Saturday night. The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Lionrock. Bands in the eastern side of Lionrock consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Lionrock’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Lionrock will move south of a high pressure system over China during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Lionrock toward the west during the next day or so. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Lionrock will move across northern Vietnam and northern Laos. Lionrock will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Vietnam and northern Laos. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kompasu was spinning east of Luzon and Tropical Storm Namtheun formed east of the northern Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 129.8°E which put it about 470 miles (760 km) east of Luzon. Kompasu was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 990 mb. Kompasu is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to strengthen.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Namtheun was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 160.3°E which put it about 980 miles (1580 km) east of Alamagan. Namtheun was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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. Namtheun was forecast to move toward the northwest and to strengthen.