Tag Archives: WP14

Muifa Intensifies to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Muifa intensified to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean south of the Ryukyu Islands on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Muifa was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 125.8°E which put it about 260 miles (420 km) south-southeast of Ishigaki, Japan. Muifa was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Muifa strengthened over the warm water in the Western North Pacific Ocean on Friday and it intensified to a typhoon south of the southern Ryukyu Islands. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of circulation. A small eye appeared to be developing at the center of Typhoon Muifa. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Muifa’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extend out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Muifa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Muifa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Muifa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Muifa will intensify during the next 36 hours and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Muifa will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Muifa toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Muifa could be south of Ishigakijima in 36 hours. Muifa could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Muifa Forms Southeast of the Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Muifa formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of the Ryukyu Islands on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Muifa was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 132.6°E which put it about 730 miles (1175 km) south-southeast of Okinawa. Muifa was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system southeast of the Ryukyu Islands exhibited more organization on Wednesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Muifa. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Muifa was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Muifa’s circulation. Bands in the eastern side of Muifa consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms west of the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Muifa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Muifa 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 Muifa’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Muifa will intensify during the next 48 hours. Muifa could strengthen to a typhoon in 24 hours. Muifa could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Muifa will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Muifa toward the northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Muifa could approach the southern Ryukyu Islands in 72 hours. Muifa is likely to be a typhoon when it approaches the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Lupit Brings Rain to Japan

Tropical Storm Lupit brought rain to Japan on Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 32.3°N and longitude 131.6°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Miyazaki, Japan. Lupit was moving toward the east-northeast at 26 m.p.h. (42 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit made landfall on the coast of Kyushu near Kagoshima on Sunday. Lupit was being steered quickly toward the east-northeast by an upper level trough near the Korean Peninsula. The trough was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Lupit’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and they were affecting the distribution of rain in Tropical Storm Lupit. Most of the heavier rain was falling in bands north and east of the center of Lupit. The heavier rain was falling over Shikoku, northern Kyushu and southwestern Honshu. Bands south and west of the center of circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The strongest winds were occurring in the southern half of Tropical Storm Lupit. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) on the south side of Lupit. The winds in the northern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

The trough near the Korean Peninsula will steer Tropical Storm Lupit quickly toward the northeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Lupit will move over the southern Sea of Japan. The center of Tropcial Storm Lupit could be near northern Honshu in 36 hours. Rain will spread over the rest of Honshu and Hokkaido during the next two days. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification. Lupit will move over water in the Sea of Japan where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level trough will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The lower part of Lupit’s circulation will also be disrupted while it passes over land. Tropical Storm Lupit is not likely to strengthen significantly and it could weaken if the center does not move over the Sea of Japan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mirinae was moving eastward away from Japan. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Mirinae was located at latitude 36.6°N and longitude 144.7°E which put it about 230 miles (370 km) east-northeast of Tokyo, Japan. Mirinae was moving toward the northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit Drops Very Heavy Rain on Taiwan

Tropical Storm Lupit dropped very heavy rain on Taiwan on Friday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 120.5°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west of Taipei, Taiwan. Lupit was moving toward the east 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 990 mb.

Bands of rain on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit dropped very heavy rain over much of Taiwan on Friday. Radar estimates of the rainfall by Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau were as high as two feet (0.6 meters) in some locations. Southerly and southeasterly winds on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit were pushing air up the slopes of mountains on Taiwan. The enhanced rising motion was contributing to prolonged periods of very heavy rain. The very heavy rainfall was creating a very high danger of widespread flash floods.

Tropical Storm Lupit began to strengthen slowly after the center of circulation moved over the Taiwan Strait. The circulation around Lupit was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms and highest wind speeds were in bands on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lupit. Bands in the western half of Lupit consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Northerly winds circulating around the western side of the tropical storm were transporting drier air into the western half of Lupit. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles on the eastern side of Lupit. The in the western side of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Lupit toward the east during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Lupit could be near Taipei in six hours. Lupit will continue to drop very heavy rain over Taiwan during the next 12 hours and the risk of flash floods will be very high. The high pressure system will steer Tropical Storm Lupit toward the northeast during the weekend. Lupit could also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to portions of the Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next several days. Lupit will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the northeastern part of an upper level ridge. The upper level winds are weaker in that part of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Lupit is likely to intensify during the weekend unless the center passes over northern Taiwan. If the center crosses northern Taiwan, then mountains will disrupt the low level circulation.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mirinae was spinning south of Japan and Tropical Storm Nida was speeding away to the east of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Mirinae was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 137.3°E which put it about 480 miles (775 km) south-southwest of Tokyo, Japan. Mirinae was moving toward the east-northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 993 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Nide was located at latitude 38.1°N and longitude 156.6°E which put it about 775 miles (1250 km) east-southeast of Misawa, Japan. Nida was moving toward the east-northeast at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 980 mb.

Tropical Storms Lupit, Mirinae and Nida Spin over Active West Pacific

Tropical Storms Lupit, Mirinae and Nida were spinning over an active Western North Pacific Ocean on Thursday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 117.3°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Yunxiao, China. Lupit was moving toward the northeast 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit was dropping heavy rain along the coast of Fujian province. A band of heavy rain on the eastern periphery of Lupit was just west of Taiwan. Tropical Storm Lupit is forecast to move northeast along the east coast of China during the next 24 hours. Lupit is likely to weaken slowly while the center is near the coast. Tropical Storm Lupit could strengthen during the weekend if the center moves farther over the ocean.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Mirinae was located at latitude 27.1°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) east-northeast of Okinawa. Mirinae was moving toward the east-northeast 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.

Tropical Storm Mirinae is forecast to move toward the northeast and to strengthen. Mirinae could be south of Japan by this weekend. Weather conditions in Okinawa and the other Ryukyu Islands should improve when Tropical Storm Mirinae moves farther away.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nida was located at latitude 33.9°N and longitude 148.2°E which put it about 490 miles (790 km) east-southeast of Tokyo. Nida was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb. Westerly winds in the middle latitudes are forecast to carry Tropical Storm Nida farther away from Japan during the next few days.

Tropical Storm Lupit Makes Landfall in Eastern China

Tropical Storm Lupit made landfall on the coast of eastern China just to the south of Shantou on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 23.3°N and longitude 116.9°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) south-southeast of Shantou, China. Lupit was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit made landfall on the northeastern part of the coast of Guangdong province south of Shantou and east of Chaoyang. Lupit strengthened before landfall and the maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Lupit. The strongest winds were occurring in the parts of Lupit’s circulation that were over water. Strong thunderstorms developed recently near the center of Tropical Storm Lupit. Those thunderstorms were producing gusty winds and they were dropping locally heavy rain.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Lupit toward the northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Lupit will move along the east coast of China. The center of Lupit could pass near Xiamen in about 24 hours. Tropical Storm Lupit will weaken while the center is over land. However, Lupit could strengthen again if the center moves over the East China Sea. Tropical Storm Lupit will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northeast coast of Guangdong province and the coastal part of Fujian province.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 14W was passing west of Okinawa and Tropical Storm 15W developed southeast of Japan. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 14W was located at latitude 26.5°N and longitude 126.5°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) west of Okinawa. The 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 998 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm 15W was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 147.4°E which put it about 510 miles (825 km) southeast of Tokyo,, Japan. The tropical storm was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Dolphin Passes Southeast of Japan

Tropical Storm Dolphin passed southeast of Japan on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Dolphin was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 141.4°E which put it about 200 miles (320 km) south-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Dolphin was moving toward the northeast at 19 m.p.h. (31 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 986 mb.

An upper level trough over eastern Asia steered Tropical Storm Dolphin quickly toward the northeast on Wednesday.  The trough carried Dolphin southeast of Tokyo.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles from the center of Dolphin.  The northern periphery of tropical storm Dolphin was bringing gustier winds to parts of the coast of Honshu.  Most of the rain falling in Tropical Storm Dolphin fell southeast of Honshu.

The upper level trough will carry Tropical Storm Dolphin east of Japan.  Although Dolphin is currently over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C, the tropical storm will soon move over cooler water.  The upper level trough and the cooler water will cause Tropical Storm Dolphin to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the next several days.

Tropical Storm Dolphin Forms South of Japan

Tropical Storm Dolphin formed south of Japan on Monday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Dolphin was located at latitude 26.0°N and longitude 135.0°E which put it about 365 miles (590 km) southwest of Tokyo, Japan.  Dolphin was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

A distinct low level center of circulation developed near the southern side of an area of thunderstorms south of Japan on Monday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Dolphin.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Dolphin was still organizing.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern half of the circulation.  Bands in the southern half of Dolphin consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Dolphin will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours.  Dolphin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  An upper level trough approaching Japan from the west will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Dolphin.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will inhibit intensification of Dolphin.  The shear will limit intensification, but Tropical Storm Dolphin is likely to get stronger during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Dolphin will move around the northwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Dolphin toward the north-northeast during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Tropical Storm Dolphin will reach the westerly winds in the middle latitudes after that period and those winds will steer Dolphin more toward the northeast during the middle of the week.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Dolphin could approach the coast of Honshu near Tokyo in about 72 hours.

Typhoon Faxai Hits Tokyo

Typhoon Faxai hit Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Faxai was located at latitude 35.3°N and 139.7°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south of Tokyo, Japan.  Faxai was moving toward the north-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (220 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

The eye of Typhoon Faxai was very near Tokyo and the northern portion of the eyewall may have been over the city.  The strongest winds were in the ring of thunderstorms around the eye.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Typhoon Faxai.  Winds to typhoon force were likely occurring in the Tokyo metropolitan area.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Faxai.  Radar operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency indicated that the eyewall and rainbands were dropping heavy rain over the region around Tokyo.  Flash flooding is likely to occur in some locations.

Typhoon Faxai will move northeast across eastern Honshu during the next few hours.  Faxai will be capable of causing serious wind damage while it moves over the region northeast of Tokyo.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in that area.  Typhoon Faxai will move northeast of Japan on Monday and conditions should improve.

Typhoon Faxai Strengthens to Equivalent of Major Hurricane South of Tokyo

Typhoon Faxai strengthened into the equivalent of a major hurricane south of Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Faxai was located at latitude 31.8°N and longitude 139.7°E which put it about 300 miles (485 km) south of Tokyo, Japan.  Faxai was loving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (215 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 944 mb.

Typhoon Faxai intensified rapidly into the equivalent of a major hurricane on Saturday.  There was a small circular eye at the center of circulation.  The eye was surround 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 Faxai.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Faxai became more symmetrical on Saturday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 140 miles (220 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Faxai was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 40.1.  Typhoon Faxai was capable of causing regional major damage.

Typhoon Faxai will move through an environment favorable for powerful typhoons during the next 12 hours.  Faxai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge where the winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Faxai is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 12 hours and it could strengthen a little more.  Typhoon Faxai will reach the coast of Honshu in about 12 hours and Faxai will weaken when it moves over land.  Faxai will move under the westerly winds in the middle latitudes in a day or so and the vertical wind shear will increase when that happens.

Typhoon Faxai will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Faxai toward the north during the next 12 to 18 hours.  The high pressure system and the westerly winds in the middle latitude will turn Typhoon Faxai toward the northeast in 18-24 hours.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Faxai will approach the coast of Honshu near Tokyo in about 12 hours.  Faxai will be capable of causing major damage when it reaches Honshu.