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Tropical Storm Prapiroon Forms Over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Prapiroon formed over the South China Sea on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 111.2°E which put the center about 260 miles (460 km) south-southeast of Haikou, China.  Prapiroon was moving toward the west 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 998 mb.

Former Tropical Depression 04W strengthened on Saturday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Prapiroon.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Prapiroon was exhibiting a little more organization.  There were not a lot of thunderstorms near the center of Prapiroon’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.

Although the circulation around Tropical Storm Prapiroon was large, the area of stronger winds was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Prapiroon’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Prapiroon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Prapiroon’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent some strengthening.  Tropical Storm Prapiroon could intensify a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern China.  The high pressure system will steer Prapiroon toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move toward Hainan.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Hainan during the next 24 hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaemi strengthened gradually east of the Philippines.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gaemi was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 125.5°E which put the center about 485 miles (780 km) south of Ishigakijima, Japan.  Gaemi was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Gaemi Forms East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Gaemi formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines early on Saturday.   At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gaemi was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 128.2°E which put the center about 520 miles (840 km) south-southeast of Ishigakijima, Japan.  Gaemi was moving toward the 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 surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened early on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Gaemi.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Gaemi was starting to exhibit more organization.  More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Gaemi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also developing in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Gaemi.  Storms near the center of Gaemi started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Gaemi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gaemi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gaemi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Gaemi is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.  Gaemi could strengthen to a typhoon by early next week.

Tropical Storm Gaemi will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gaemi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Gaemi will move toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Gaemi could be a typhoon when it approaches the southern Ryukyu Islands early next week.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 04W formed over the South China Sea.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 04W was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 113.8°E which put the center about 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Haikou, China.   The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 999 mb.

Typhoon Koinu Brings Wind and Rain to Taiwan

Typhoon Koinu brought wind and rain to Taiwan on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 120.6°E which put it about 10 miles (15 km) west of Hengchun, Taiwan. Koinu was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

Typhoon Koinu brought strong winds and heavy rain to southern Taiwan on Wednesday night. The eye of Koinu passed over the southern tip of Taiwan. The northern half of the eyewall moved across southern Taiwan. Typhoon Koinu was the equivalent of a major hurricane when it moved across Taiwan. Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Koinu was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 21.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.2. Typhoon Koinu was stronger than Hurricane Rita was when Rita hit southwest Louisiana in 2005. Koinu was a little smaller than Rita was.

Easterly winds blowing around the northern side of Typhoon Koinu will rise up the eastern slopes of mountains in Taiwan. The enhanced rising motion will produce very heavy rainfall on those eastern slopes. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Koinu will move will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia and the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Koinu toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center Typhoon Koinu will move over the South China Sea on Thursday.

The core of Typhoon Koinu was partially disrupted when the eye and northern part of the eyewall moved across southern Taiwan. The disruption of the inner core of Koinu’s circulation is likely to cause Typhoon Koinu to weaken during the next 24 hours even though Koinu will move through an environment favorable for intensification. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Koinu’s circulation. Those winds will cause some little vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be too strong. Typhoon Koinu is likely to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours because of the disruption of its inner core.

Typhoon Koinu Approaches Taiwan

Typhoon Koinu approached Taiwan from east on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 123.3°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) east of Hengchun, Taiwan. Koinu was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 953 mb.

Typhoon Koinu was the equivalent of a major hurricane as it approached Taiwan on Tuesday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Koinu’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Koinu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Koinu increased on Tuesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Koinu was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 29.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.8. Typhoon Koinu was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Frances when Frances hit southeast Florida in 2004.

Typhoon Koinu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Koinu is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Koinu will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia and the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Koinu toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center Typhoon Koinu will reach the coast of southeast Taiwan in less than 24 hours. Typhoon Koinu is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Taiwan. Koinu will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Taiwan. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Typhoon Koinu could also cause widespread outages of electricity.

Typhoon Koinu Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Koinu rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Taiwan on Sunday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 126.4°E which put it about 405 miles (650 km) east-southeast of Hengchun, Taiwan. Koinu was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 953 mb.

Typhoon Koinu rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the past 24 hours. A circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was at the center of Koinu’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Koinu. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Koinu increased when Koinu rapidly intensified. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Koinu was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.4.

Typhoon Koinu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean and eastern Asia. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Koinu’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Koinu is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Koinu will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Koinu toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Koinu will move closer to Taiwan. Koinu will approach southern Taiwan in 48 hours. Typhoon Koinu is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Taiwan. Koinu will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Taiwan. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Koinu Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Koinu strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Taiwan on Sunday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 128.5°E which put it about 570 miles (920 km) east-southeast of Hengchun, Taiwan. Koinu was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Koinu intensified rapidly during the past 24 hours. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Koinu. A circular eye with a diameter off 17 miles (28 km) developed at the center of Koinu’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Koinu, Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Koinu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. ‘ It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge centered west of Taiwan. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Koinu’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be strong enough to completely stop intensification. Typhoon Koinu will intensify during the next 24 hours. Koinu could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Koinu will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Koinu toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Koinu will move closer to Taiwan. Koinu could approach southern Taiwan in three days. Typhoon Koinu is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Taiwan.

Tropical Storm Koinu Forms Southeast of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Koinu formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan on Friday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Koinu was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 130.9°E which put it about 850 miles (1730 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan. Koinu was moving toward the west-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 997 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan strengthened on Friday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Koinu. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Koinu was asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Koinu’s circulation. Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Koinu consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Koinu’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (275 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Koinu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Koinu’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be strong enough to completely stop intensification. Tropical Storm Koinu is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Koinu will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Koinu toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Koinu will move closer to Taiwan. Koinu could approach southern Taiwan in four days. It could be a typhoon when it approaches Taiwan.

Typhoon Haikui Moves over the Taiwan Strait

Typhoon Haikui moved over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 23.3°N and longitude 119.6°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

Typhoon Haikui brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan on Sunday. A weather station at the airport in Taipei (RCTP) reported a sustained wind speed of 35 m.p.h. (55km/h) and a wind gust of 49 m.p.h. (79 km/h). A weather station in Taitung (RCFN) reported a sustained wind speed of 56 m.p.h. (91 km/h) and a wind gust of 87 m.p.h. (140 km/h). A weather station in Kaohsiung (RCKH) reported a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a wind gust of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h). Bands in the eastern part of Typhoon Haikui were still dropping heavy rain over parts of Taiwan on Sunday night.

The lower levels of the circulation of Typhoon Haikui were disrupted when Haikui moved over the mountains on Taiwan. There was no longer an eye at the center of Haikui’s circulation. The circulation in the middle and upper level of Typhoon Haikui remained relatively intact. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Haikui’s circulation. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km/h) from the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) from the center of Typhoon Haikui.

Typhoon Haikui will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Haikui toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Haikui will approach the east coast of China between Shantou and Xiamen within 24 hours.

Typhoon Haikui will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Haikui will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under an upper level ridge centered northwest of Taiwan. The upper level winds are weak in the ridge and the will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Haikui may not intensify during the next 24 hours even though it will move through a favorable environment. The lower levels of Haikui’s circulation will gradually reorganize now that the center of circulation is back over water. However, there may not be enough time for an eye to develop again before Haikui reaches the east coast of China. If the inner core of Typhoon Haikui does not develop again, then it will be unlikely to strengthen.

Typhoon Haikui Hits Taiwan

Typhoon Haikui hit Taiwan on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 121.1°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) northeast of Taitung, Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 947 mb.

The center of Typhoon Haikui made landfall on the southeast coast of Taiwan just to the northeast of Taitung on Sunday morning. Haikui intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane as it approached the coast of Taiwan. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haikui was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 35.1. Typhoon Haikui was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Typhoon Haikui brought strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Haikui’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

The center of Typhoon Haikui will move across southern Taiwan during the next few hours. Haikui’will produce strong, gusty winds in much of Taiwan. Typhoon Haikui is capable of causing regional major damage. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rains will cause flash floods, especially near mountains.

The center of Typhoon Haikui will be near Kaohsiung in a few hours. Haikui will weaken as it moves across southern Taiwan. Mountains in Taiwan could will disrupt the circulation in the lower levels of Typhoon Haikui. The circulation in the middle and upper troposphere will remain move relatively intact. Haikui will move over the South China Sea later on Sunday. Typhoon Haikui could approach the coast of China near Shantou in less than 36 hours.

Typhoon Haikui Nears Taiwan

Typhoon Haikui neared Taiwan on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 122.7°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Taitung, Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west 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 Haikui intensified as it neared Taiwan on Saturday. A small circular eye was at the center of Haikui’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Haikui. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau’s radar images indicated that Typhoon Haikui was very symmetrical. Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Haikui’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haikui was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.5. Typhoon Haikui was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Typhoon Haikui will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Haikui will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge centered north of Taiwan. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Haikui’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Haikui is likely to continue to intensify during the next few hours until it makes landfall on Taiwan.

Typhoon Haikui will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Haikui toward the west- northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Haikui will move landfall on the coast of southeast Taiwan near Taitung in nine hours.

Typhoon Haikui will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan. Haikui will be capable of causing regional serious damage. The heaviest rain will fall on the eastern sides of mountains where the wind will push air up the slopes. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Typhoon Saola weakened to a tropical storm along the coast of southern China and former Tropical Storm Kirogi weakened to a tropical depression south of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Saola was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 109.5°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) east-northeast of Beihai, China. Saola was moving toward the west-southwest 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 991 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Kirogi was located at latitude 29.6°N and longitude 142.0°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) south-southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 1000 mb.