Tag Archives: China

Typhoon Soulik Strengthens Near Iwo To

Typhoon Soulik strengthened near Iwo To on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Soulik was located at latitude 24.4°N and longitude 140.0°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) west-southwest of Iwo To.  Soulik was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Typhoon Soulik strengthened quickly on Friday.  An eye appeared at the center of circulation on satellite imagery.  A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of the circulation.  The strongest rainbands were occurring in the eastern half of Typhoon Soulik.  Storms around the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 150 miles (240 km) from the center.

Typhoon Soulik will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  Soulik will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is 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 Soulik will continue to intensify and it will become the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Typhoon Soulik will be in an area where the winds at steering level are weak during next 12 to 24 hours.  Soulik is likely to move slowly northward during that time.  A subtropical ridge northeast of Typhoon Soulik is forecast to strengthen in a day or so.  When that happens, the ridge will steer Soulik in a general northwesterly direction.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Soulik will slowly away from Iwo To on Saturday.  Soulik will continue to produce gusty winds and to drop heavy rain over Iwo To until it moves away.  Typhoon Soulik will move in the general direction of Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands during the next several days.

Tropical Storm Rumbia Makes Landfall Near Shanghai, Bebinca Hits Vietnam

Tropical Storm Rumbia made landfall on the east coast of China just south of Shanghai on Thursday, and Tropical Storm Babinca hit Vietnam.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Rumbia was located at latitude 30.5°N and longitude 121.0°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) southwest of Shanghai, China.  Rumbia was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Rumbia strengthened before it made landfall.  Thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation and a band wrapped around the center.  The circulation became more circular and storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence.  In the western half off the circulation where the winds were blowing toward the land, increased friction enhanced rising motion and heavier rain fell.

Tropical Storm Rumbia caused some gusty winds near the coast, but the greater risks were the locally heavy rain and the potential for floods.  Tropical Storm Rumbia is forecast to move slightly north of due west as it moves inland over eastern China.  Rumbia will drop locally heavy rain over the area around Shanghai, and over parts Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.  Some of those regions have received heavy rain from previous storms and the potential for serious flooding exists.

Tropical Storm Bebinca made landfall on the coast of Vietnam on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 106.3°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) southeast of Ninh Binh, Vietnam.  Bebinca was moving toward the west-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 979 mb.

Tropical Storm Bebinca also strengthened before it made landfall.  An eye started to form at the center of circulation and Bebinca was on the threshold of becoming a typhoon when it made landfall.  Tropical Storm Bebinca produced gusty winds and a storm surge near the coast.  However, the greatest risks are locally heavy rain and the potential for floods.  Tropical Storm Bebinca is forecast to move in a general westerly direction.  Bebinca will drop locally heavy rain over parts of Vietnam, northern Laos and extreme northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Soulik moved quickly toward Iwo To and strengthened.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Soulik was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 141.3°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) south of Iwo To.  Soulik was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 981 mb.

Tropical Storm Rumbia Nears Shanghai, Bebinca Strengthens East of Vietnam

Tropical Storm Rumbia moved closer to Shanghai on Wednesday, while Tropical Storm Bebinca strengthened east of Vietnam and Tropical Storm Soulik formed west of Guam.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Rumbia was located at latitude 30.1°N and longitude 124.2°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) southeast of Shanghai, China.  Rumbia was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 Rumbia has about 12 to 18 hours before it makes landfall near Shanghai.  It will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification.  Rumbia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  The circulation of Rumbia is broad.  There is a distinct center of circulation, but there are few thunderstorms close to the center.  Most of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in rainbands revolving around the center of Rumbia.  The broad circulation will limit the potential for intensification, but Tropical Storm Rumbia could get stronger before it reaches the east coast of China on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Bebinca strengthened on Wednesday while it moved south of China.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 108.2°E which put it about 125 miles (200 km) east-southeast of Hai Phong, Vietnam.  Bebinca was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 980 mb.

Tropical Storm Bebinca intensified quickly on Wednesday after it moved west of Hainan Island.  A primary rainband wrapped around the center of circulation and an eye appeared to be forming.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Bebinca.  Tropical Storm Bebinca has about 18 hours before it reaches the coast of Vietnam.  It will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Bebinca will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move through an area where the upper level winds are weak and there is little vertical wind shear.  Bebinca could strengthen into a typhoon before it reaches Vietnam.

Tropical Storm Bebinca could make landfall on the coast of  Vietnam between Hai Phong and Vinh within 24 hours.  It could be a typhoon when it makes landfall.  Bebinca will bring strong winds capable of causing damage.  it could generate a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) at the coast.  Bebinca will drop heavy rain over parts of Vietnam and it could cause serious flooding.

Tropical Storm Soulik formed west of Guam on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Soulik was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 142.7°E which put it about 165 miles (265 km) northwest of Guam.  Soulik was moving toward the north-northwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 Soulik will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Soulik will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move east of an upper level low that will produce southerly winds.  Those winds will move blow toward the top of the circulation and they will cause some vertical wind shear, but they will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Soulik could strengthen into a typhoon within 48 hours.  The upper low will pull Tropical Storm Soulik toward Iwo To.

Tropical Storm Leepi Approaches Kyushu

Tropical Storm Leepi approached Kyushu late on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Leepi was located at latitude 29.8°N and longitude 135.3°E which put it about 335 miles (545 km) east-southeast of Kagoshima, Japan.  Leepi was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 983 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Leepi became much better organized on Monday.  A large circular clear area formed at the center of circulation, which represented the formation of an eye.  A primary band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped most of the way around the formative eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that band of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern half of the circulation were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Leepi.  Bands northwest of the center consisted mostly of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 110 miles (170 km) from the center of circulation.  Storms around the center of Tropical Storm Leepi were generating upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Leepi will move through an environment that will become less favorable on Tuesday.  Leepi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C which means there will be enough energy to support a strong tropical storm.  However, an upper level ridge northwest of Japan will produce northeasterly winds which will cause significant vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Leepi to start to weaken when it nears Japan.

The ridge northwest of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Leepi toward the northwest on Tuesday.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Leepi will reach southeastern Kyushu in about 18 hours.  Leepi will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Kyushu late on Tuesday.  The locally heavy rain could create the potential for flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Bebinca meandered southwest of Hong Kong and Tropical Storm Hector move westward across the International Date Line.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 113.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong.  Bebinca was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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. (95km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Hector was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 176.2°E which put it about 760 miles (1225 km) east-northeast of Wake Island.  Hector was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 1003 mb.

Tropical Storm Yagi Makes Landfall on East Coast of China

Tropical Storm Yagi made landfall on the east coast of China between Wenzhou and Taizhou on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Yagi was located at latitude 28.4°N and longitude 121.7°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) south of Taizhou, China.  Yagi was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Yagi was moving steadily inland over Zhejiang province between Wenzhou and Taizhou.  The strongest winds were occurring in bands of thunderstorms east of the center of circulation that were over the coastal waters of the East China Sea.  The wind in those areas will diminish when Yagi moves farther inland.  The greatest risk will be locally heavy rain falling over parts of Zhejiang province.  Rainfall could be enhanced where the wind blows up the slopes of mountains and steep terrain increases the potential for flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Leepi moved closer to Iwo To and Tropical Depression 20W formed southwest of Hong Kong.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Leepi was located at latitude 24.1°N and longitude 141.2°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Leepi was moving toward the north-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 55 m.p.h. (90 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression 20W was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 112.4°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) southwest of Macao.  It was moving toward the east-southeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Leepi Forms Southeast of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Leepi formed southeast of Iwo To on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Leepi was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 142.7°W which put it about 285 miles (465 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Leepi was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 995 mb.

A distinct center of circulation developed within an area of thunderstorms between the Northern Marianas and Iwo To and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Leepi.  The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Leepi was very asymmetrical.  The stronger thunderstorms were all occurring in bands in the eastern half of the circulation.  The bands in the western half of the circulation consisted of showers and low clouds.  Storms near the center of Leepi were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Leepi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Leepi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level trough northeast of the tropical storm was producing southwesterly winds which were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear was inhibiting the divergence to the west of Tropical Storm Leepi.  The tropical storm also appeared to be drawing drier air into the western side of the circulation.  Leepi could intensify on Sunday, but it will move into an area of stronger upper level winds in a day or so.  Increased vertical wind shear will likely start to weaken Tropical Storm Leepi after that occurrs.

Tropical Storm Leepi will move near the western end of a ridge in the middle troposphere.  The ridge will Leepi in a general motion toward the northwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Leepi will move near Iwo To in about 24 hours.  Leepi could approach the northern Ryukyu Islands and Kyushu in about three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific, Tropical Storm Yagi passed over the southern Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Yagi was located at latitude 25.6°N and longitude 124.8°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Taipei, Taiwan.  Yagi was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 993 mb.

Tropical Storm Jongdari Makes Landfall South of Shanghai, Shanshan Forms Northeast of Guam

Tropical Storm Jongdari made landfall south of Shanghai on Thursday, while Tropical Storm Shanshan formed northeast of Guam.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jongdari was located at latitude 30.7°N and longitude 121.4°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south of Shanghai, China.  Jongdari was moving toward the west at 19 m.p.h. (30 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 994 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Jongdari made landfall on the east coast of China near Zhoushan and Ningbo on Thursday.  Jongdari retained a distinct low level center of circulation while it made landfall.  The tropical storm brought gusty winds to the coast of Zhejiang and Shanghai Shi provinces.  Tropical Storm Jongdari dropped locally heavy rain over parts of those provinces and some flooding could occur.  The center of Jongdari will move quickly toward Hangzhou and the risk of flooding will continue as the tropical storm moves inland and weakens.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Shanshan formed northeast of Guam.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Shanshan was located at latitude 17.9°N and longitude 150.1°E which put it about 460 miles (740 km) northeast of Guam.  Shanshan was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A distinct low level center of circulation formed in a cluster of thunderstorms east of the Northern Marianas on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Shanshan.  The circulation of Shanshan was still organizing.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms developed southwest of the center of circulation.  Bands northeast of the center consisted mostly of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation started to generate upper level divergence.

Tropical Storm Shanshan will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Shanshan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Shanshan will intensify and it could strengthen into a typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Shashan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system.  The high will steer Shanshan in a general northwesterly direction during the next 12 to 24 hours.  It will turn more toward the north during the weekend.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Shanshan will move near the Northern Marianas during the next 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Jongdari Heads Toward China

Tropical Storm Jongdari headed toward China late on Tuesday.  After dropping heavy rain on parts of Honshu and Kyushu, former Typhoon Jongdari weakened to a tropical storm.  Jongdari then was caught by the circulation of an upper level low south of Japan and the tropical storm made a slow counterclockwise loop south of Kyushu.  Tropical Storm Jongdari completed the loop and moved west toward China on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Jongdari was located at latitude 30.0°N and longitude 126.7°E which put it about 360 miles (575 km) east-southeast of Shanghai, China.  Jongdari was moving toward the west 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Jongdari moved around the circulation of an upper level low south of Japan on Sunday and Monday.  Strong upper winds rotating around the upper level low caused vertical wind shear which disrupted the upper part of Jongdari’s circulation.  However, the integrity of the lower level circulation remained intact.  There is a well defined low level circulation with bands of showers and thunderstorms revolving around the center of circulation.  Stronger upper level winds have periodically sheared the tops off of the taller thunderstorms.  New thunderstorms were forming near the center of circulation but it is unclear if those storms will persist.

Tropical Storm Jongdari will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification on Wednesday.  Jongdari will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  However the upper level low south of Japan and an upper level ridge over East Asia will combine to produce strong easterly winds which will blow across the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jongdari could intensify a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Jongdari will move south of a high pressure system near East Asia which will steer Jongdari in a general westerly direction.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Jongdari could approach the coast of China southeast of Shanghai in about 24 hours.  The center of Jongdari could be near Shanghai in about 36 hours.  Tropical Storm Jongdari will bring some gusty winds, but the greater risk will be locally heavy rainfall.  Heavy rain falling on very moist ground could cause flash floods over parts of eastern China.

Tropical Storm Wukong Forms Southeast of Japan

Tropical Storm Wukong formed southeast of Japan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Wukong was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 159.0°E which put it about 1370 miles (2210 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Wukong was moving toward the north at 24 m.p.h. (39 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and the were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

A cluster of thunderstorms developed southeast of Japan during the weekend and a low level center of circulation formed near the southwestern edge of the cluster of storms.  However, strong upper level winds blowing from the southwest kept blowing the top of the circulation northeast of the low level center and the system was unable to develop.  The upper level winds slowed on Monday and a band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of circulation.  The Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Wukong.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Wukong organized quickly after the upper level winds weakened.   As mentioned above, a primary rainband wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of circulation.  Storms in the primary rainband generated upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the north of the tropical storm.  Several other bands of showers and thunderstorms developed in the eastern half of the circulation.  Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Wukong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next day or so.  Wukong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C.  Wukong is moving along the eastern portion of an upper level trough.  The trough is producing southwesterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  However, those winds weakened on Monday and they will not cause enough vertical wind shear to prevent further intensification.  Tropical Storm Wukong could strengthen into a typhoon during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Eventually, Wukong will move over cooler water and it will begin to weaken.

Tropical Storm Wukong is moving between an upper level trough to the west and an upper level ridge to the east.  The trough and ridge were combining to steer Wukong toward the north and a general northerly motion is expected to continue.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Wukong will stay west of the larger islands of Japan.  Wukong could approach the Kuril Islands in about three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific former Tropical Storm Ampil weakened to a tropical depression over land southeast of Beijing, China, Tropical Storm Son-tinh meandered near the coast of southeastern China and Tropical Depression 15W organized southwest of Iwo To, Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Ampil was located at latitude 38.8°N and longitude 117.6°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Beijing, China.  Ampil was moving toward the north-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55k km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.  Tropical Depression Ampil was still dropping locally heavy rain over parts of eastern China.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 109.0°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) southeast of Beihai, China.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 996 mb.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh was dropping locally heavy rain over parts of southeastern China and Hainan Island.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 15W was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 136.3°E which put it about 585 miles (945 km) southwest of Iwo To, Japan.  It was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 998 mb.  The circulation of Tropical Depression 15W became more organized on Monday and it could eventually strengthen into a typhoon when it moves toward Iwo To later this week.

Tropical Storm Ampil Nears Landfall Southeast of Shanghai

Tropical Storm Ampil neared landfall on the coast of China southeast of Shanghai on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ampil was located at latitude 31.0°N and longitude 122.3°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of Shanghai, China.  Ampil was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22km/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 Ampil moved steadily toward the coast of China on Saturday with little change of structure or intensity.  Drier air continued to circulate around the tropical storm and it limited the development of taller thunderstorms in much of Ampil.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in the inner portion of a band northwest of center of circulation.  The strongest winds were associated with those storms.  Bands around the rest of Tropical Storm Ampil consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 165 miles (270 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Ampil will make landfall on the coast of China southeast of Shanghai in a few hours.  Ampil will cause gusty winds and the strong band of thunderstorms will drop locally heavy rain.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in parts of eastern China.

Elsewhere the tropics became more active over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Saturday.  The remnants of former Tropical Storm Son-tinh were reorganizing west of Hainan Island over the Gulf of Tongking, Tropical Depression 13W moved east of Taiwan, and Tropical Depression 14W formed northwest of Wake Island and Tropical Depression 15W formed west of Guam.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Son-tinh was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 108.2°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) west of Dongfeng, China.  Son-tinh was moving toward the east-southeast 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 999 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Son-tinh completed a slow clockwise loop over Laos and Vietnam which during the past several days and it emerged back over the Gulf of Tongking on Saturday.  There was a distinct low level center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were circulating around the enter.  The rainbands were dropping heavy rain over Hainan Island and creating the potential for flash floods.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 13W was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 122.9°E which put it about 165 miles (265 km) south-southeast of Hualien, Taiwan.  It was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 998 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 14W was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 159.4°E which put it about 370 miles (600 km) east-southeast of Minami Tori Shima.  It was moving toward the north at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 998 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 15W was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 138.1°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) north-northwest of Ulithi.  It was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 998 mb.