Tag Archives: Philippines

Typhoon Chanthu Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Chanthu rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 133.0°E which put it about 915 miles (1475 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. Chanthu was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 929 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Chanthu rapidly intensified from a minimal tropical storm to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the past 24 hours. A small eye quickly developed at the center of Typhoon Chanthu. 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 Chanthu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Chanthu was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 30.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.4. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing localized severe damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is 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 Chanthu could continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and there is a chance it could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Chanthu will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Chanthu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chanthu could approach northeastern Luzon in 60 hours. Chanthu could be near Taiwan in less than four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to Luzon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 121.7°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Conson Brings Wind and Rain to Central Philippines

Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to the central Philippines on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 124.6°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Calbayog, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 985 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Conson made landfall on the east coast of Samar near Borongan on Monday. Conson was nearly a typhoon at the time of landfall. A small eye was visible at the center of Tropical Storm Conson on both radar and microwave satellite images. Conson produced gusty winds as it passed over Samar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation. Tropical Storm Conson dropped heavy rain on Samar, Leyte, northern Cebu and northeastern Panay. Heavy rain could result in flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Conson will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Conson toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Conson will pass over the Visayan Sea and the Sibuyan Sea. The center of Conson could pass over Masbate during the next 12 hours. Tropical Storm Conson could reach southern Luzon in a day or so. Conson could be be near Manila in 48 hours. Tropical Storm Conson will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Masbate, Mindoro and southern Luzon.

Tropical Storm Conson will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Conson will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Since the circulation around Tropical Storm Conson is small, it is likely to weaken each time the center passes over land. The intensity of Conson could fluctuate when it moves over islands and water surfaces.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 19W was organizing quickly and it appeared to be on the verge of strengthening to a tropical storm. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 19W was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 137.1°E which put it about 1170 miles (1890 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1003 mb. Tropical Depression 19W is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to intensify.

Tropical Storm Conson Develops Quickly near the Philippines

Tropical Storm Conson developed quickly near the Philippines on Monday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 126.6°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) east-southeast of Dolores, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 991 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Conson organized quickly on Monday morning, The inner end of a primary rainband wrapped around the center of circulation. A small circular eye was at the center of Conson on microwave satellite images. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Conson was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Conson.

Tropical Storm Conson will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Conson will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Conson is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours and it could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Conson will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Conson toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Conson will reach northeastern Samar in 12 hours. Conson could be a typhoon when it reaches Samar. It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Samar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Conson will weaken when the center passes over northeastern Samar. Since the circulation of Tropical Storm Conson is small, it could weaken quickly over land. The center of Tropical Storm Conson could move back over water when it moves north of Samar. The circulation could strengthen again when that happens. Conson could reach southeastern Luzon in a day or so.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific, Tropical Depression 19W formed north of Yap. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 19W was located at latitude 14.3°N and longitude 138.1°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) north of Yap. The tropical depression was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1006 mb. Tropical Depression 19W is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to strengthen.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Drops Rain on Luzon

Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon around Manila on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 119.6°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) west-northwest of Manila, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1002 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan passed just south of Manila before the tropical storm moved west of Luzon. Bands near the center of Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon near Manila. Other bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on Mindoro. Choi-wan was still producing a few winds that were blowing at tropical storm force, but Manila did not report any winds that were that strong.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan exhibited an organized circulation on Wednesday afternoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Choi-wan. Other bands of thunderstorms were in the southern half of the tropical storm. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an area that is marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The center of Choi-wan will move over the South China Sea where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, an upper level ridge centered over southern China will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification, but Tropical Storm Choi-wan could get a little stronger during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move northwest of Luzon during the next 24 hours. Choi-wan will turn toward the northeast on Friday after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Tropical Storm Choi-wan could approach the southern end of Taiwan in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Brings Rain to Philippines

Tropical Storm Choi-wan brought rain to the central Philippines on Tuesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 13.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 155 miles (250 km) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 1002 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan made an initial landfall on the east coast of Samar and then it moved west-northwest across the central Philippines. Choi-wan moved across the Sibuyan Sea and it was centered southeast of Manila on Tuesday night. The circulation around Tropical Storm Choi-wan weakened when the center passed over Samar, but it was still producing a small area of tropical storm force winds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped locally heavy rain over parts of Samar, Masbate, Panay and Mindoro on Tuesday. An upper level ridge centered over southern China was producing northeasterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Choi-wan. Those winds were producing moderate vertical wind shear and they causing the heavier rain to fall in bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. Bands in the northern half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan could pass just south of Manila in 12 hours. Choi-wan could drop locally heavy rain on Mindoro and western Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an environment that is mostly unfavorable for intensification. Choi-wan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, the upper level ridge center over southern China will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification. The eastern side of the circulation around Tropical Storm Choi-wan will be over Luzon during the next 24 hours, which will also be unfavorable for intensification.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Nears the Philippines

Tropical Storm Choi-wan neared the central Philippines on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 10.4°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 Choi-wan was approaching Samar in the central Philippines on Monday night. An upper level ridge centered near Hong Kong was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Choi-wan. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were affecting the structure of the tropical storm. The stronger thunderstorms were occurring bands southwest of the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. The bands in the other parts of Choi-wan consisted mainly of showers and lower thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Choi-wan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, the upper level ridge will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification. The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move over land later on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will reach Samar in 12 hours. Choi-wan will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Samar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan could reach the southeastern part of Luzon in 24 hours.

TD 04W Strengthens to Tropical Storm Choi-wan East of Mindanao

Tropical Depression 04W strengthened to Tropical Storm Choi-wan east of Mindanao on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 8.2°N and longitude 130.4°E which put it about 260 miles (420 km) east of Mindanao. Choi-wan was moving toward the northwest 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.

The circulation around former Tropical Depression 04W exhibited more organization on Sunday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency named the system as Tropical Storm Choi-wan. Although the circulation around Choi-wan exhibited more organization, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. Bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm consisted of showers and lower clouds. Storms west of the center of Choi-wan generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and south of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Choi-wan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge centered northeast of the Philippines. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds are the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms and they will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification, but the shear will limit the rate of intensification. Tropical Storm Choi-wan will likely intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Choi-wan toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Choi-wan could approach the central Philippines in 36 hours.

Tropical Depression 04W Forms Southwest of Palau

Tropical Depression 04W formed southwest of Palau on Saturday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 04W was located at latitude 6.8°N and longitude 133.5°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of Palau. It was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1003 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Depression 04W was still organizing on Saturday night. Bands of thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the depression. The strongest rainbands were in the western half of the circulation. Bands on the eastern side of the tropical depression consisted mainly of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the depression.

Tropical Depression 04W will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical depression 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 east of the Philippines. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the depression. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification, but the shear will limit the rate of intensification. Tropical Depression 04W will likely intensify into a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression 04W will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer the tropical depression toward the northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression 04W will move farther away from Palau. The tropical depression is forecast to pass east of the Philippines.

Tropical Depression Drops Rain on Mindanao

Tropical Depression 03W dropped rain on Mindanao on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 7.7°N and longitude 124.7°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) northwest of Davao, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 Depression 03W made landfall on the east coast of Mindanao near Manay on Thursday. The depression generated showers and thunderstorms as it moved over Mindanao. Some of the rainbands revolving around the center of the tropical depression dropped heavy rain over parts of Mindanao. The circulation around Tropical Depression 03W weakened steadily after it moved over land. It is likely to continue to weaken as it moves west across the southern Philippines.

Tropical Depression Forms East of Mindanao

Tropical Depression 03W formed east of Mindanao on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 7.1°N and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 275 miles (475 km) east of Davao, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of a small low pressure system east of Mindanao on Wednesday and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Depression 03W. More thunderstorms were also forming in bands that were revolving around center of the depression. Storms near the center of circulation were began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression 03W will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the middle of a small upper level ridge east of the Philippines. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Depression will intensify during the next 24 hours and it is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm.

Tropical Depression 03W will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the depression toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression 03W will approach the east coast of Mindanao in a little over 24 hours. It will likely be a tropical storm when it approaches the coast. The system will drop locally heavy rain over Mindanao and flash floods could occur.