Tag Archives: Ryukyu Islands

Jangmi Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Jangmi strengthened to a typhoon on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Jangmi was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 128.8°E which put the center about 500 miles (805 km) south of Okinawa.  Jangmi was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 979 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Jangmi strengthened to a typhoon south of Okinawa on Saturday.  A very large circular eye formed at the center of Typhoon Jangmi.  The eye had a diameter of 70 miles (110 km).  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 center Jangmi’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Jangmi 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 Jangmi was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Jangmi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Typhoon Jangmi.

Typhoon Jangmi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is southwest of Japan.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Jangmi will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Jangmi will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jangmi toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Jangmi will approach Okinawa in 36 hours.

Typhoon Jangmi will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands including Okinawa.  Heavy rain is could cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Jangmi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along portions of the coasts of the Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Jangmi Continues to Intensify

Tropical Storm Jangmi continued to intensify over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 130.4°E which put the center about 705 miles (1135 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Jangmi was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Jangmi continued to intensify as it moved over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of the Ryukyu Islands on Friday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Jangmi’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi.  Storms near the center of Jangmi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jangmi was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Jangmi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Jangmi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi is likely strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jangmi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jangmi will approach the southern Ryukyu Islands in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Jangmi is likely to be a typhoon when it approaches the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Jangmi will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands.  Heavy rain is could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Jangmi Gradually Strengthening

Tropical Storm Jangmi gradually strengthened on Thursday as it moved over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of the Ryukyu Islands.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 133.3°E which put the center about 855 miles (1380 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Jangmi was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 Jangmi strengthened gradually on Thursday.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Jangmi’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands in the western and southern parts of Tropical Storm Jangmi.  Bands in the eastern and northern parts of Jangmi’s circulation still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Jangmi generated a little more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of a little more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jangmi was still large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Jangmi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Jangmi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  The large circulation around Jangmi could cause it to intensify slowly at times.  Jangmi could strengthen to a typhoon within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jangmi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jangmi will approach the southern Ryukyu Islands in three days.

Tropical Storm Jangmi Forms West of Yap

Tropical Storm Jangmi formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of Yap on Tuesday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi was located at latitude 9.9°N and longitude 137.3°E which put the center about 40 miles (65 km) west of Yap.  Jangmi was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of Yap strengthened on Tuesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Jangmi.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jangmi was large.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Jangmi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in a band in the eastern periphery of Tropical Storm Jangmi.  Other bands in the eastern side of Jangmi’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Jangmi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jangmi was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Jangmi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is 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 Storm Jangmi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  The large circulation around Jangmi could cause it to intensify slowly at first.  Jangmi could strengthen to a typhoon by the weekend.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jangmi toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jangmi will move slowly away from Yap.  Jangmi could approach the Ryukyu Islands in a few days.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will continue to bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Yap until it moves farther away later this week.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong Clips Southern Taiwan

Tropical Storm Fung-wong clipped the southern part of Taiwan on Wednesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 122.5°E which put the center about 140 miles (225 km) south of Taipei, Taiwan.  Fung-wong was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 1001 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong moved across southern Taiwan on Wednesday.  Fung-wong brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain as it moved across Taiwan.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong continued to weaken as it moved across southern Taiwan on Wednesday.  Drier air from Asia was pulled into many parts of Fung-wong’s circulation.  A few thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.  Other thunderstorms were located northeast of the center where Fung-wong’s circulation was interacting with a frontal boundary.  There was little upper level divergence.  Since mass was not being transported away from Tropical Storm Fung-wong, the surface pressure was increasing.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Fung-wong was very asymmetrical.  The pressure gradient between a high pressure system over eastern Asia and Tropical Storm Fung-wong was causing a large area of tropical storm winds to the north of Fung-wong.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 320 miles (520 km) in the northern side of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern side of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fung-wong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over eastern China.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  In addition, the drier air that is already in the circulation around Fung-wong will suppress the formation of new thunderstorms.  Strong vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Tropical Storm Fung-wong to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fung-wong toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move over the southern Ryukyu Island.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will bring gusty winds and rain showers to the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Fung-wong Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Typhoon Fung-wong weakened to a tropical storm over the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan on Tuesday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 11934°E which put the center about 165 miles (265 km) southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Fung-wong was moving toward the north-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 990 mb.

Former Typhoon Fung-wong weakened to a tropical storm southwest of Taiwan on Tuesday morning.  Drier air from Asia was pulled into the core of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.  The drier air caused many of the thunderstorms in Fung-wong to dissipate.  The dissipation of the thunderstorms significantly reduced the amount of upper level divergence.  Since the upper level divergence pumped less mass away from Tropical Storm Fung-wong, the surface pressure increased.

An upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean was producing southerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear was blowing the upper part of Fung-wong’s circulation toward the north of the circulation in the lower levels.  Many of the bands in Tropical Storm Fung-wong consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Even though Tropical Storm Fung-wong was weakening, the circulation around Fung-wong was still large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) in the northern side of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern half of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fung-wong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  The upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean will continue to produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  In addition, the drier air that is already in the circulation around Fung-wong will suppress the formation of new thunderstorms.  Strong vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Tropical Storm Fung-wong to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fung-wong toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move across Taiwan during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will bring strong winds and isolated heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move across the southern Ryukyu Islands on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Podul Churns Westward

Tropical Storm Podul churned westward over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Sunday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 132.7°E which put the center about 510 miles (820 km) southeast of Okinawa.  Podul was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 990 mb.

The structure of Tropical Storm Podul did not change much on Sunday.  An upper level ridge over China and Japan continue to produce northeasterly winds that blew toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear was caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Podul to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Podul’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over China and Japan will continue to cause vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will continue to  inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.  Podul could strengthen to a typhoon on Monday.

Tropical Storm Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan. The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Podul will approach the southern Ryukyu Islands in 36 hours.  Podul could approach Taiwan in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Podul Passes South of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Podul passes south of Iwo To on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 140.4°E which put the center about 230 miles (370 km) south of Iwo To.  Podul was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (17 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 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Podul was maintaining its intensity on Saturday as it passed south of Iwo To.  An upper level ridge over China and Japan was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear was causing the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Podul to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Podul’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over China and Japan will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Podul will move toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Co-may Drops Heavy Rain on Taiwan

Tropical Storm Co-may dropped heavy rain on Taiwan on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was located at latitude 22.8°N and longitude 123.9°E which put the center about 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Co-may was moving toward the northeast at 41 m.p.h. (67 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.

Even though the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was passing east of Taiwan, bands in the western side of Co-may’s circulation were dropping heavy rain on parts of southern Taiwan.

Heavy Rain Advisories were in effect for parts of southern Taiwan.

Strong vertical wind shear was causing Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken as it passed east of Taiwan on Friday.  An upper level low centered over eastern China was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Co-may’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear was causing Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Co-may became asymmetrical when Co-may weakened.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Co-may’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Co-may were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Co-may will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Co-may will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, it will move under the eastern side of the upper level low that is centered over eastern China.  The upper level low will continue to produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Co-may’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken to a tropical depression during the next 24 hours.

The upper low over eastern China will steer Tropical Storm Co-may quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Co-may will move across the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Co-may will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Francisco weakened to a tropical depression north of Taiwan and Tropical Storm Krosa strengthened gradually west of the Marianas.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Francisco was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 121.4°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) north of Taipei, Taiwan.  Francisco was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 993 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Krosa was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 143.8°E which put the center about 225 miles (365 km) northwest of Saipan.  Krosa was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Co-may Forms West of Luzon

Tropical Storm Co-may formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of Luzon on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 118.7°E which put the center about 150 miles (240 km) west of Vigan, Philippines.  Co-may was moving toward the west 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 992 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of Luzon strengthened on Wednesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Co-may.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Co-may was organizing quickly.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Co-may’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Co-may.  Storms near the center of Co-may generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the western side of Tropical Storm Co-may.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the western half of Co-may’s circulation.  The winds in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Co-may were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Co-may will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Co-may will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern side of an upper level low that is centered east of Taiwan.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Co-may’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Co-may will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Co-may could strengthen to a typhoon on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Co-may will get pulled toward the northeast by the much larger circulation around Tropical Storm Francisco.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Co-may will approach northern Luzon in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Co-may could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of northwestern Luzon.  Co-may will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods and mudslides.  Tropical Storm Co-may is likely to cause widespread outages of electricity in northern Luzon.  Co-may could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of northwestern Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Francisco strengthened a little as it moved toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Francisco was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 129.1°E which put the center about 325 miles (525 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Francisco was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 994 mb.