Tag Archives: Taiwan

Podul Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Podul strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Taiwan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Podul was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 128.6°E which put the center about 510 miles (825 km) east-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Podul was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 984 mb.

The circulation around Typhoon Podul became more symmetrical on Monday.  A circular eye appeared at the center of Podul’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms.  The strongest winds were occurring in that broken ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Podul.  Storms near the center of Podul generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Typhoon Podul.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the eastern side of Podul’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Typhoon Podul.

Typhoon 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, an upper level ridge over eastern China and Japan will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Podul could intensify during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Typhoon 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-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Podul will approach Taiwan in 24 hours.

Typhoon Podul will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

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 Forms North of Saipan

Tropical Storm Podul formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Saipan on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 145.9°E which put the center about 290 miles (470 km) north of Saipan.  Podul was moving toward the northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Saipan strengthened on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Podul.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands south and east of the center of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the rest of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Podul started to generate upper level divergence that was beginning to pump mass away from the tropical storm.

The strongest winds in Tropical Storm Podul were occurring in the thunderstorms southeast of the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Podul’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Podul were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Podul is likely to strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend.

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 move away from the Marianas.  Podul could approach Taiwan in a few days.

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 Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Co-may brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 120.6°E which put the center about 10 miles (15 km) east of Vigan, Philippines.  Co-may was moving toward the northeast 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 980 mb.

The center of former Typhoon Co-may made landfall on the coast of northwestern Luzon west of Baguio on Thursday.  Co-may weakened back to a tropical storm after the center of circulation moved inland over Luzon.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Co-may was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Co-may’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Co-may will continue to produce strong winds and locally heavy rain in northern Luzon during the next few hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods and mudslides.  Co-may is likely to cause widespread outages of electricity in northern Luzon.  Tropical Storm Co-may could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of northwestern Luzon.

Tropical Storm Co-may will get pulled toward the northeast by the much larger circulation around Tropical Storm Francisco.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Co-may will move north of Luzon in a few hours.  Tropical Storm Co-may will pass east of Taiwan on Friday.

Tropical Storm Co-may will continue to weaken as it moves across northern Luzon.  Co-may will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification after it moves north of Luzon.  Co-may will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, it will move under the southeastern side of an upper level low that is centered over the east coast of China.  The upper level low will produce 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 continue to weaken when it moves north of Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, the center of Tropical Storm Francisco moved west of Okinawa and Tropical Storm Krosa formed west of the Marianas.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Francisco was located at latitude 27.0°N and longitude 124.3°E which put the center about 180 miles (290 km) west of Okinawa.  Francisco was moving toward the west-northwest at 23 m.p.h. (37 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 991 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Krosa was located at latitude 16.5°N and longitude 143.3°E which put the center about 170 miles (280 km) west-northwest of Tinian. Krosa was moving toward the north 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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Wipha Passes Near Northern Luzon

The center of Tropical Storm Wipha passed just to the north of northern Luzon on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Wipha was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 122.0°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) north-northeast of Aparri, Philippines.  Wipha was moving toward the northwest 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 991 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Wipha was passing between northern Luzon and Taiwan on Friday.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Wipha’s circulation on Friday.  Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Wipha.  Storms near the center of Wipha generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Wipha was very large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (330 km) from the center of Wipha’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Wipha will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Wipha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge that is north of the Philippines.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Wipha’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Wipha will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Wipha could strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Wipha will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Wipha toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Wipha could approach Hong Kong in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Wipha will produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain in northern Luzon and southern Taiwan during the rest of today.  Heavy rain could produce flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Danas Brings Wind and Rain to Taiwan

Typhoon Danas brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan on Sunday.  Danas weakened to a tropical storm after it moved across Taiwan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Danas was located at latitude 25.9°N and longitude 121.6°E which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Taipei, Taiwan.  Danas was moving toward the north-northeast at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 989 mb.

The center of former Typhoon Danas moved north-northeast across western Taiwan on Sunday.  Danas produced strong winds and heavy rains as it moved across Taiwan.  The heaviest rain fell in parts of southern Taiwan and in a few mountain areas where the winds were blowing up the slopes.  The Central Weather Administration’s radar estimated that up to a foot (300 mm) of rain fell in some locations.

Former Typhoon Danas weakened to a tropical storm as it moved across western Taiwan.  The center of Danas’ circulation moved over the East China Sea on Sunday night.  Thunderstorms were still occurring near the center of Tropical Storm Danas.  Thunderstorms were also still occurring in bands revolving around the center of Danas’ circulation.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Danas was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Danas’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the western side of Danas.

Tropical Storm Danas will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Danas will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low over eastern China.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Danas’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Danas could intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level low over eastern China will steer Tropical Storm Danas toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Danas will move away from Taiwan.  Tropical Storm Danas could approach the east coast of China in 36 hours.

Wind speeds will decrease in Taiwan when Tropical Storm Danas moves farther away.  Heavy rain should also diminish as the circulation around Danas moves away from Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mun weakened east of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Mun was located at latitude 35.5°N and longitude 148.7°E which put the center about 520 miles (835 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Mun 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 986 mb.

Typhoon Danas Hits Taiwan

Typhoon Danas hit Taiwan on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Danas was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 120.0°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of Taichung, Taiwan.  Danas was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 958 mb.

Typhoon Danas rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it approached Taiwan on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Danas’ circulation.  A circular eye with a diameter of 16 miles (26 km) formed at the center of Typhoon Danas.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Danas’ circulation.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Danas increased when Danas rapidly intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Danas’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the eastern side of Typhoon Danas.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) in the western side of Danas.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Danas is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 14.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 32.2.  Typhoon Danas is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Danas will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods and mudslides.  Widespread outages of electricity are possible.  Typhoon Danas could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast of Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mun continued to churn east of Japan.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Mun was located at latitude 33.9°N and longitude 149.4°E which put the center about 545 miles (875 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Mun was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 982 mb.

Danas Intensifies to a Typhoon Southwest of Taiwan

Former Tropical Storm Danas intensified to a typhoon over the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Danas was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 118.3°E which put the center about 170 miles (275 km) southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Danas was moving toward the north-northeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 977 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Dana intensified to a typhoon over the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan on Saturday.  The distribution of thunderstorms in Typhoon Danas became more symmetrical as Danas intensified.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Danas’ circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Typhoon Danas.  Storms near the center of Danas generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Danas increased as Danas intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Danas’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Typhoon Danas.

Typhoon Danas will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Danas will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over that is centered east of Taiwan.  The upper level ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Danas’ circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Danas will intensify during the next 18 hours.  Danas could intensify rapidly at times.

Typhoon Danas will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Danas toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Danas will approach the west coast of Taiwan in 18 hours.

Typhoon Danas will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Taiwan. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods. Typhoon Danas could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast of Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mun continued to churn east-southeast of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Mun was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 148.9°E which put the center about 575 miles (925 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Mun was moving toward the northeast 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 983 mb.

Tropical Storm Danas Forms Southwest of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Danas formed over the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Danas was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 117.3°E which put the center about 265 miles (430 km) southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Danas was moving toward the west 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. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A low pressure system over the South China Sea southwest of Taiwan strengthened on Friday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Danas.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Danas was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Danas’ circulation.  Bands in the northern half of Tropical Storm Danas consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Danas generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Danas was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Danas’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Danas will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Danas will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over eastern China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Danas’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Danas will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Danas could strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend,

Tropical Storm Danas will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Danas toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track,  Tropical Storm Danas will move toward the Taiwan Strait.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mun continued to meander southeast of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Mun was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 146.3°E which put the center about 485 miles (780 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Mun was moving toward the northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 985 mb.