Tag Archives: Samar

Dujuan Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm Dujuan weakened to a tropical depression on Saturday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Dujuan was located at latitude 8.4°N and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 210 miles (335 km) east of Hinatuan, Philippines. Dujuan was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

Strong easterly winds in the upper troposphere blew the top off of former Tropical Storm Dujuan on Friday night. The circulation in the lower levels gradually weakened and Dujuan was classified as a tropical depression on Saturday. The low level circulation consisted almost entirely of showers and lower clouds during much of Saturday. A few thunderstorms developed northeast of the center of Tropical Depression Dujuan on Saturday night, but it was not clear that the thunderstorms would persist.

Tropical Depression Dujuan will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Dujuan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification. However, Tropical Depression Dujuan will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will continue to produce strong easterly winds which will blow toward the top of Dujuan. In addition, a surface high pressure system over eastern Asia will produce strong northeasterly winds in the lower levels. Those winds will transport drier air over the Philippines. The combination of vertical wind shear and drier air will likely prevent intensification of Tropical Depression Dujuan.

Tropical Depression Dujuan will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Dujuan toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression Dujuan could approach northern Mindano, southern Samar and Cebu in 18 hours. Dujuan will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the central Philippines.

Tropical Storm Vongfong Brings Wind and Rain to Luzon

Tropical Storm Vongfong brought wind and rain to Luzon on Friday.  At 11:00 am. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Vongfong was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 121.2°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) northeast of Manila, Philippines.  Vongfong was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

Former Typhoon Vongfong weakened to a tropical storm on Friday after the center passed across northern Samar and southeastern Luzon.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Vongfong was small but it remained well organized.  The strongest winds were occurring in rainbands in the eastern half of the circulation which was over the Philippine Sea.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  The wind speeds were not as strong over land, although stronger winds may have been occurring at locations in mountainous regions.

Tropical Storm Vongfong dropped locally heavy rain over southeastern and eastern Luzon.  The center of Vongfong passed west of Legaspi and east of Manila.  Heavy rain may have fallen on the slopes of the Mayon Volcano and flash floods could have occurred in that region.

Tropical Storm Vongfong will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered southeast of Japan.  The high steer Vongfong toward the north during the next 24 hours.  The tropical storm will start to move toward the northeast during the weekend after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Vongfong will move over northern Luzon during the next 24 hours.  Vongfong will continue to bring gusty winds and drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Luzon.

Typhoon Vongfong Makes Landfall on Samar

Typhoon Vongfong made landfall on Samar on Thursday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Vongfong was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 124.5°E which put it about 10 miles (15 km) west of Catarman, Philippines.  Vongfong was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Typhoon Vongfong made landfall on the coast of Samar north of Dolores on Thursday.  Vongfong was the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  After Typhoon Vongfong made landfall, it moved west-northwest along the northern coast of Samar.  The center of Vongfong passed near Laoang and Catarman.  There have been reports of wind damage in northern Samar.  Typhoon Vongfong also dropped heavy rain in some locations and flash floods may have occurred.

Typhoon Vongfong began to weaken after the center moved over Samar.  The eye was no longer evident on conventional satellite images.  The winds speeds were decreasing slowly.  Winds to typhoon extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center.

Typhoon Vongfong will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered southeast of Japan.  The high will steer Vongfong toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Vongfong will move across eastern Luzon.  The center of Vongfong will move near Bulan, Ligao, Naga, Daet, and Labo.  Typhoon Vongfong will also bring wind and rain to Sorsogon, Legaspi and Tabaco.  Heavy rain could flash floods in areas of steep terrain.

Typhoon Vongfong Nears Landfall in Samar

Typhoon Vongfong neared landfall in Samar on Wednesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Vongfong was located near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 125.8°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) east of Dolores, Philippines.  Vongfong was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and  there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

Typhoon Vongfong was a small but strong tropical cyclone.  There was a small circular eye at the center of circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms.  The strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of the circulation.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Typhoon Vongfong.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Vongfong was 19.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 5.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.8.  Typhoon Vongfong was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Typhoon Vongfong will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered southeast of Japan.  The high will steer Vongfong toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Vongfong will make landfall on the coast of northern Samar north of Dolores during the next 6 to 12 hours.  The center of Vongfong could be near Laoang in about 12 hours.  Typhoon Vongfong could move over southeastern Luzon later on Thursday.  The center of Vongfong could be near Legaspi in 18 hours.

The small inner core of Typhoon Vongfong will be capable of causing localized serious wind damage in northern Samar and southeastern Luzon.  Vongfong could bring strong winds to Dolores, Laoang, Catarman, Bulan, Sorsogon and Legaspi.  Typhoon Vongfong will drop locally heavy rain over northern Samar, southeastern Luzon and Catanduanes Island.  Flash floods could occur in some locations.  Vongfong could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) in parts of northern Samar and southeastern Luzon.

Vongfong Rapidly Intensifies Into a Typhoon East of Samar

Former Tropical Storm Vongfong rapidly intensified into a typhoon east of Samar on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Vongfong was located at latitude 12.3°N and longitude 127.6°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) east of Dolores, Philippines.  Vongfong was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

Typhoon Vongfong rapidly intensified on Wednesday from a strong tropical storm into a typhoon.  A small circular eye formed at the center of 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 Vongfong.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon in all directions.  The removal of mass was allowing the surface pressure to decrease quickly, which caused the rapid intensification.

The circulation around Typhoon Vongfong was small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Vongfong was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.4 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.2.  Typhoon Vongfong was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Typhoon Vongfong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Vongfong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29.5°C.  It will move under a small upper level ridge east of the Philippines.  The upper level winds in the ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Vongfong will continue to intensify rapidly in the short term.  Vongfong is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 6 to 12 hours.

Typhoon Vongfong will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered southeast of Japan.  The high will steer Vongfong toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  Typhoon Vongfong will start to move more toward the north-northwest in a day or so, when it nears the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track the core of Typhoon Vongfong could approach northern Samar in about 18 hours.  Vongfong could approach Catanduanes Island and southeastern Luzon in about 24 hours.  Outer bands on the western side of Typhoon Vongfong could start to drop heavy rain over parts of Samar during the next 12 to 18 hours.

Tropical Storm Vongfong Develops East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Vongfong developed east of the Philippines on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Vongfong was located at latitude 11.6°N and longitude 128.7°E which put it about 165 miles (270 km) east of Samar, Philippines.  Vongfong was moving toward the north-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 1002 mb.

Former Tropical Depression 01W strengthened on Tuesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the low pressure system as Tropical Storm Vongfong.  The circulation around Vongfong was still organizing.  More thunderstorms were developing near the center of circulation.  Other thunderstorms were occurring in a primary rainband in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Vongfong.  Bands in the northern and western parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Vongfong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours.  Vongfong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under a small upper level ridge centered east of the Philippines.  The winds in upper ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Vongfong will continue to intensify and it could strengthen to a typhoon within 24 to 36 hours.  A period of rapid intensification could occur after the inner part of the circulation becomes more organized.

Tropical Storm Vongfong will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered south of Japan.  The high pressure system is forecast to strengthen during the next 36 hours and it will steer Vongfong more toward the west-northwest on Wednesday.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Vongfong could approach northern Samar and southeastern Luzon in 36 to 48 hours.  Vongfong could be a typhoon at that time.  It could also drop locally heavy rain and cause flash floods over northeastern parts of the Philippines.

Strengthening Typhoon Phanfone Makes Landfall in Central Philippines

A strengthening Typhoon Phanfone made landfall in the central Philippines on Tuesday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Phanfone was located at latitude 11.6°N and longitude 124.1°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Placer, Philippines.  Phanfone was moving toward the west-northwest at 19 m.p.h. (31 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

Typhoon Phanfone strengthened quickly as it made landfall in the central Philippines.  A small circular eye became more distinct on  satellite imagery.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center.  The Hurricane intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Phanfone was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.8 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 28.6.

The center of Typhoon Phanfone made landfall near Guiuan on Samar.  The center of Phanfone passed near Tacloban on Leyte before it moved over the Visayan Sea.  Typhoon Phanfone brought strong winds and heavy rain to Samar and Leyte.  The winds were strong enough to cause serious damage and regional power outages.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Phanfone moved through a favorable environment that allowed to strengthen.  Phanfone moved over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 29°C.  It moved through a region where the upper level winds were weak and there was little vertical wind shear.  The core of Phanfone moved quickly over narrow portions of Samar and Leyte and the core remained intact.  Typhoon Phanfone could strengthen while the enter moves across the Visayan Sea and it could intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Phanfone will move south of a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days.  The ridge will steer Phanfone toward the west-northwest.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Phanfone will pass near Masbate and the northern end of Panay Island.  Phanfone could be near Mindoro in about 12 hours.  Typhoon Phanfone will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Masbate, the northern end of Panay Island, the northern end of Negros and Mindoro.  Conditions will improve gradually when Phanfone moves away from Samar and Leyte.

Phanfone Strengthens to a Typhoon, Closing in on Central Philippines

Former Tropical Storm Phanfone strengthened to a typhoon as it closed in on the central Philippines on Monday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Typhoon Phanfone was located at latitude 10.9°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 80 miles (130 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines.  Phanfone was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Typhoon Phanfone strengthened on Monday.  The circulation became more symmetrical and an eye began to form at the center of Phanfone.  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 Phanfone.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.  The circulation around Typhoon Phanfone was relatively small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center.

Typhoon Phanfone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Phanfone 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 the will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Phanfone will continue to intensify until it makes landfall in the central Philippines.  Phanfone will begin to weaken when the center moves over land.  It could regain some strength while the center passes over the Visayan Sea.

Typhoon Phanfone will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Phanfone toward the west-northwest during the next several days.  On it anticipated track the center of Typhoon Phanfone will pass over southern Samar near Guiuan in a few hours.  The core of Phanfone will also pass near Tacloban and northern Leyte.  Typhoon Phanfone will move over the Visayan Sea before moving near Roxas City and northern Panay Island.

Typhoon Phanfone will bring strong winds to southern Samar, Leyte and northern Panay Island.  Phanfone will drop locally heavy rain and flash floods could occur in some locations.  Typhoon Phanfone could produce a storm surge of six feet (two meters) along portions of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Tropical Storm Phanfone Churns Toward the Philippines

Tropical Storm Phanfone churned toward the Philippines on Sunday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Phanfone was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 133.5°E which put it about 525 miles (850 km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Philippines.  Phafone was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Phanfone exhibited greater organization on Sunday night.  More thunderstorms developed around the center of circulation.  Many of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands northwest of the center.  Bands in other parts of the circulation had fewer storms and consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms near the center were generating upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the northern half of Phanfone and out 40 miles (65 km) on the southern side of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Phanfone will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Phanfone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29.5°C.  It will move south of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce southeasterly winds which will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear diminished during recent hours.  The shear will slow the rate of intensification, but it will not be strong enough to keep Phanfone from intensifying.  Tropical Storm Phanfone will continue to intensify and it could strengthen into a typhoon within 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Phanfone will move south of a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Phanfone toward the west-northwest during the next few days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Phanfone could reach the central Philippines within 36 hours.  Phanfone could be a typhoon by the time it approaches Samar.

Typhoon Kammuri Strengthens As It Nears Southeast Luzon

Typhoon Kammuri strengthened as it neared southeast Luzon on Sunday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Typhoon Kammuri was located at latitude 13.0°N and longitude 126.0°E which put it about 385 miles (625 km) east- southeast of Manila, Philippines and about 160 miles (260 km) east of Legaspi.  Kammuri was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

Typhoon Kammuri strengthened on Sunday.  An ellipitical eye with a mean radius of 30 miles (50 km) cleared out at the center of circulation.  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 Kammuri.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease.

The wind field around Typhoon Kammuri became more symmetrical on Sunday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.1.  Typhoon Kammuri was capable of causing serious damage.

Typhoon Kammuri will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Kammuri 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 Kammuri could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane before it reaches southeastern Luzon.  Kammuri will start to weaken after the center moves over land.

Typhoon Kammuri will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Kammuri toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Kammuri will pass between Samar and Catanduanes Island before making landfall near Sorsogon on southeast Luzon.  The center of Kammuri will pass near Legaspi, Tabaco and Ligao.

Typhoon Kammuri will be capable of causing major damage in the Philippines.  Kammuri will bring strong winds to southeast Luzon.  Typhoon Kammuri could also produce winds to near typhoon force in Virac on Catanduanes Island.  Kammuri could produce a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) in locations where the wind blows water toward the coast.  Typhoon Kammuri will drop locally heavy rain over southern Luzon.  Flash floods could occur, especially in areas of steeper slopes.