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Strengthening Typhoon Hato Nears China

Typhoon Hato strengthened to a typhoon as it moved closer to a landfall on the coast of China.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Hato was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 116.6°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong.  Hato was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

The organization of Typhoon Hato improved significantly in recent hours.  A circular eye developed at the center of circulation.  A ring of strong thunderstorms formed around the eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in the ring of storms around the eye.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms developed south and east of the center.   There were fewer showers and thunderstorms north and west of the center of circulation.  Thunderstorms in the core of Hato were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the south and east of the typhoon.  Hato is a fairly small typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 20 miles (32 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 145 miles (230 km) from the center.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Hato is 10.4.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 8.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 18.7.

Typhoon Hato will move through an environment favorable for intensification until it makes landfall in China.  Hato will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  An upper level ridge over China is producing easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  The strongest winds are north of Typhoon Hato and the vertical wind shear is moderate.  The shear could slow the rate of intensification, but it is not likely to prevent further intensification.

Typhoon Hato is being steered to the west-northwest by a subtropical ridge to the north of the typhoon and that general motion is expected to continue.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Hato will make landfall near Hong Kong in 12 to 18 hours.  Typhoon Hato will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of eastern China.  Heavy rain could produce flash floods in some locations.  Hato will also generate a storm surge along the coast.

Tropical Storm Hato Forms Southeast of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Hato formed southeast of Taiwan on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Hato was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 126.1°E which put it about 390 miles (630 km) east-southeast of Taitung, Taiwan.  Hato was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 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 1001 mb.

A low level center of circulation developed near the western edge of a cluster of thunderstorms southeast of Taiwan and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Hato.  The structure of Tropical Storm Hato is very asymmetrical.  Most of the showers and thunderstorms are forming in the western half of the circulation.  There are some very tall strong thunderstorms west of the center of circulation.  An upper level ridge north of Hato is producing easterly winds which  are blowing toward the top of the tropical storm.  Those winds are limiting upper level divergence toward the east and they are probably the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Hato will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification.  Tropical Storm Hato is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  The upper level ridge is creating moderate vertical wind shear, which is inhibiting intensification.  Tropical Storm Hato is likely to intensify, but it will do so more slowly because of the vertical shear.  Hato does have a chance to strengthen into a typhoon.

Hato is being steered toward the west-northwest by a subtropical ridge north of the tropical storm.  A general west-northwesterly motion is expected to continue for several more days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Hato could reach the islands in the Luzon Strait or southern Taiwan in less than 36 hours.  Hato could make landfall on the east coast of China in less than three days.  Tropical Storm Hato will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain when it passes near southern Taiwan and the islands in the Luzon Strait.

Typhoon Nesat Causes Heavy Rain, Floods in Taiwan

Typhoon Nesat caused heavy rain and floods in parts of Taiwan when it moved over the island.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 118.9°E which put it near Fuzhou, China.  Nesat was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 977 mb.

The core of Typhoon Nesat moved over northern Taiwan earlier today and the center passed close to Taipei.  The typhoon brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of northern and eastern Taiwan.  The rainfall was heavy enough in some locations to cause flash flooding.  Nesat weakened to a tropical storm when the center passed over Taiwan.

Tropical Storm Nesat moved quickly across the Taiwan Strait and it made another landfall on the east coast of China near Fuzhou.  Nesat produced gusty winds and locally heavy rain near the coast.  Heavy rain will continue to fall over eastern China as Tropical Storm Nesat moves farther inland and the rain could result in flooding in some locations.

Parts of Taiwan could receive additional heavy rain on Sunday when Tropical Storm Haitang approaches the southern part of the island.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Haitang was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 119.7°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) south-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan.  Haitang was moving toward the east-northeast at at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The distribution of rain in Tropical Storm Haitang is very asymmetrical.  Almost all of the showers and thunderstorms are located south of the center of circulation.  However, there is a fairly large area of heavy rain in the southern half of the circulation of Haitang.  Tropical Storm Haitang is currently moving toward the east-northeast, but it is forecast to turn toward the north in a trough of low pressure left behind in the wake of Tropical Storm Nesat.  On its anticipated track Haitang, could make landfall in southwestern Taiwan near Kaohsiung in about 12 hours.  When the heavy rain in Haitang reaches Taiwan, it could exacerbate the flooding caused by Nesat.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific the center of Tropical Storm Noru passed just east of Iwo To.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Noru was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 141.4°E which put it about 80 miles (130 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Noru was moving toward the south-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 978 mb.

Tropical Storm Noru brought periods of heavy rain and gusty winds to Iwo To when the core of tropical storm moved east of the island.  Tropical Storm Noru is forecast to turn toward the west on Sunday.  The outer bands on the northern side of Noru will continue to cause gusty winds and periods of heavier rain on Iwo To as the tropical storm passes south of the island.

Strengthening Typhoon Nesat Nearing Taiwan

Strengthening Typhoon Nesat moved nearer to Taiwan on Friday.   At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Nesat was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 123.3°E which put it about 275 miles (440 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Nesat was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Typhoon Nesat has a very well organized circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms almost completely surrounds the eye.  There is a small gap in the ring on the northeastern rim of the eye.  Numerous additional bands of showers and thunderstorms are occurring in the southern half of the circulation.  There are fewer bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northern part of the circulation.  Thunderstorms in the core of Typhoon Nesat are producing upper level divergence which is pumping out mass.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 145 miles (230 km) from the center.

Typhoon Nesat will be moving through an environment favorable for intensification until it reaches Taiwan.  Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level ridge centered west of Japan is producing east-northeasterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are causing some vertical wind shear, but they are not strong enough to keep Typhoon Nesat from strengthening.  Typhoon Nesat is likely to intensify for another 12-18 hours until it reaches Taiwan.  When it Nesat reaches Taiwan, the mountains will disrupt the circulation.

Typhoon Nesat is being steered toward the west-northwest by a subtropical ridge to its north.  A general west-northwesterly or northwesterly motion is expected to continue until Nesat makes landfall in Taiwan.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Nesat will make landfall on the east coast of Taiwan in 12 to 18 hours.  Neast will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in the mountains.

Tropical Storm Nesat Forms Southeast of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Newsat formed southeast of Taiwan on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 127.5°E which put it about 620 miles (1000 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Nesat was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A well organized surface circulation formed in an area of thunderstorms southeast of Taiwan on Wednesday.  A strong cluster of thunderstorms formed south of the center of circulation.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms developed in the western and southern portions of Tropical Storm Nesat.  There were few thunderstorms in the eastern half of the circulation.  More thunderstorms appeared to be forming near the core of the circulation in recent hours.  The thunderstorms in the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping out mass.

Tropical Storm Nesat will be moving through an area that is favorable for intensification.  Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  Tropical Storm Nesat is beneath the northeastern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge is producing northeasterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are causing some vertical wind shear and the shear could be the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.  Tropical Storm Nesat could move under the axis of the upper level ridge where the winds are weaker.  In that case the shear would be less and Nesat could intensify more quickly.  Tropical Storm Nesat is likely to intensify into a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Nesat is moving around a weak area in a subtropical ridge, which is allowing the tropical storm to move toward the north.  The ridge is forecast to strengthen and when that happens it will steer Nesat more toward the west.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nesat could approach Taiwan in about three days.  Nesat could be a strong typhoon when it nears Taiwan.

Elsewhere in the Western North Pacific Typhoon Noru has turned back toward the west.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 30.6°N and longitude 151.2°E which put it about 770 miles (1240 km) east-northeast of Iwo To.  Noru was moving toward the west at 19 m.p.h. (31 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. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

A subtropical ridge north of Typhoon Noru is steering the typhoon toward the west.  A general westerly motion is forecast to continue for several more days.  Noru could reach an area of weaker steering winds in a few days and its motion may slow.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru could approach Iwo To in three or four days.

Tropical Storm Sonca Near Landfall in Vietnam.

Tropical Storm Sonca neared a landfall on the coast of Vietnam on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Sonca was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 108.2°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) east-northeast of Hue, Vietnam.  Sonca was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 991 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Sonca is fairly small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extend out about 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.  A subtropical ridge north of Sonca is steering the tropical storm toward the west and that general motion is expected to continue for another 24 to 36 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Sonca will make landfall north of Hue, Vietnam in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Sonca will bring gusty winds, locally heavy rain and the potential for floods when it makes landfall.  Sonca will continue to move inland over central Vietnam, central Laos and northeastern Thailand.  Sonca could continue to produce locally heavy rain over those areas as it moves inland and weakens.

Elsewhere in the Western North Pacific the circulations of Typhoon Noru and Tropical Storm Kulap are interacting east-southeast of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 25.9°N and longitude 157.0°E which put it about 1330 miles (2150 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Noru was moving toward the east at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 95 m.p.h. (155 km/h) and there were gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 155.8°E which put it about 1095 miles (1765 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Kulap was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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.

Typhoon Noru and Tropical Storm Kulap are close enough to each other to rotate cyclonically around a point between them in what is called the Fujiwhara effect.  Typhoon Noru is the much larger and stronger circulation and upper level outflow from Noru is causing vertical wind shear over Tropical Storm Kulap.  If the two tropical cyclones move closer to each other, it is possible that the circulation of Kulap could be absorbed by the larger, more powerful circulation of Typhoon Noru.

Tropical Storm Roke Close to Landfall Near Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Roke is close to making a landfall near Hong Kong.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Roke was located at latitude 22.4°N and longitude 114.1°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) east of Hong Kong.  Roke was moving toward the west-northwest 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 sutface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Roke will make landfall on the coast of China near Hong Kong during the next few hours.  Roke will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall as it move inland over eastern China.  Flash flooding could occur in places that receive heavy rain.

Elsewhere, there are three more tropical storms over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  Tropical Storm 08W is the only other imminent threat to land.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm 08W was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 111.5°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) southeast of Hainan Island.  It was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h. (6 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.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Noru was located at latitude 28.3°N and longitude 151.3°E which put it about 920 miles (1485 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Noru was moving toward west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 997 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 166.8°E which put it about 790 miles (1270 km) north of Wake Island.  Kulap was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

Tropical Storm Talas Makes Landfall in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Talas made landfall on the coast of Vietnam on Sunday.  Talas was bringing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to parts of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Talas was located at latitude18.6°N and longitude 105.5°E which put the center near Vinh, Vietnam.  Talas was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (27 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 984 mb.

Tropical Storm Talas strengthened before it made landfall in Vietnam.  A primary band wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of circulation.  Thunderstorms formed near the center of Talas as the tropical storm approached the coast of Vietnam.  The strongest winds in Tropical Storm Talas were occurring in thunderstorms over the South China Sea.  Tropical Storm Talas will weaken as it moves farther inland.

Tropical Storm Talas was bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.  Locally heavy rain could cause flooding, which will be the greatest risk as Tropical Storm Talas moves farther inland.

Tropical Storm Talas Forms East of Vietnam

Tropical Storm Talas formed east of Vietnam on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Talas was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 110.1°E which put it about 170 miles (270 km) east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam.  Talas was moving toward the west 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 996 mb.

A large area of showers and thunderstorms persisted over the South China Sea for the past several days.  A distinct center of circulation began to develop in the northern part of the area of thunderstorms.  The Japan Meteorological Agency classified the system as Tropical Storm Talas on Saturday.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Talas is still organizing.  The center of rotation was near the northwestern edge of the area of thunderstorms.  Additional thunderstorms were beginning to form near the center of circulation.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms were southwest of the center.  Bands of lighter showers were occurring in the remainder of Tropical Storm Talas.  Thunderstorms forming near the center of circulation were beginning to generate strong upper level divergence which was pumping out mass.

Tropical Storm Talas has about 24 hours to strengthen.  Talas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level ridge north of Talas is producing easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the tropical storm.  There is some vertical wind shear, but the shear appears to have diminished during the past few hours.  Since Tropical Storm Talas will be moving through an environment of very warm water and reduced vertical wind shear, it will likely strengthen during the next 24 hours.

A subtropical ridge north of Talas is steering the tropical storm toward the west and motion a little to the north of due west is forecast.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Talas will pass south of Hainan Island.  Tropical Storm Talas will approach the coast of Vietnam near Vinh in about 24 hours.  Tropical Storm Talas will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Central Vietnam when it makes landfall.

Tropical Storm Merbok Makes Landfall Near Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Merbok made landfall near Hong Kong on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Merbok was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 114.9°E which put it about 55 miles (85 km) north-northeast of Hong Kong.  Merbok was moving toward the north 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 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Merbok intensified before it made landfall and the maximum sustained wind speed was around 55 m.p.h. (85 km/h) at the time of landfall.  Merbok began to weaken after landfall and the strongest winds are now occurring in bands over the the open water.  Merbok is producing locally heavy rain in bands east of the center if circulation.  The heavy rains represent the greatest risk and flooding is possible over parts of eastern China.  Merbok is a fairly small tropical storm and the heavier rain will fall primarily to the east of the track of Merbok.  Merbok should gradually spin down as it moves farther inland.