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Saudel Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Typhoon Saudel weakened back to a tropical storm over the South China Sea on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 113.1°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-southeast of Hainan. Saudel was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 984 mb.

Tropical Storm Saudel weakened over the South China Sea on Friday. An upper level ridge over eastern Asia produced easterly winds which blew toward the top of Saudel. Those winds cause moderate vertical wind shear and they were the primary cause of the weakening of the former typhoon. Breaks developed in the ring of strong thunderstorms surrounding the eye. The distribution of thunderstorms became more asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Saudel. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next several days.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over eastern Asia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear, will cause Tropical Storm Saudel to continue to weaken during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will pass south of Hainan Island in about 24 hours. Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in about 36 hours. Saudel could still be a tropical storm when it approaches makes landfall on the central coast of Vietnam between Hue and Vinh. Even if Saudel weakens to a tropical depression, it will still drop locally heavy rain over parts of Vietnam and southern Laos. The heavy rain will cause floods in some locations where the ground is already saturated.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Twentyone-W developed east of Luzon. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Twentyone-W was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 130.7°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) east of Luzon. The depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (505 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb. The depression is forecast to move toward the Philippines and to strengthen into a tropical storm.

Typhoon Saudel Strengthens East-southeast of Hainan

Typhoon Saudel strengthened over the South China Sea east-southeast of Hainan Island on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 115.0°E which put it about 300 miles (485 km) east-southeast of Hainan. Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Typhoon Saudel intensified steadily over the South China Sea on Thursday. A small circular eye was at the center of circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Saudel. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Saudel. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Saudel could intensify during the next 12 hours. After that time an upper level ridge over eastern Asia will strengthen. The ridge will generate easterly winds which blow toward the top of Saudel’s circulation during the weekend. Those winds will cause more vertical wind shear, which could cause Saudel to weaken.

Typhoon Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Saudel will approach Hainan Island in about 36 hours. Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in about 60 hours.

Saudel Strengthens to a Typhoon over South China Sea

Former Tropical Storm Saudel strengthened to a typhoon over the South China Sea on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Saudel was located at latitude 17.1°N and longitude 116.0°E which put it about 515 miles (830 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Saudel was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 979 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Saudel intensified after the circulation moved over the South China Sea west of Luzon. Satellite imagery provided indications that a small circular eye might be forming at the center of circulation. The inner end of a rainband was wrapping around the potential eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that rainband. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Saudel. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Saudel. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Saudel will intensify during the next day or so. After that time an upper level ridge over eastern Asia will generate easterly winds which blow toward the top of Saudel’s circulation during the weekend. Those winds will cause more vertical wind shear, which could cause Saudel to weaken.

Typhoon Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Saudel will approach Hainan Island in about 48 hours. Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in about 72 hours.

Tropical Storm Saudel Brings Wind and Rain to Luzon

Tropical Storm Saudel brought wind and rain to Luzon on Tuesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 121.6°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) northeast of Manila, Philippines. Saudel was moving toward the west 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 997 mb.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) determined based on weather radar that the center of Tropical Storm Saudel made landfall on the east coast of Luzon north of Baler on Tuesday. Saudel was getting stronger at the time of landfall. The radar indicated that there was a small, tight center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms wrapped closely around the center of Tropical Storm Saudel. Other outer rainbands were revolving around the center. Satellite imagery showed that storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the west and north of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Saudel.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move across northern Luzon during the next 12 hours. Saudel will bring gusty winds an it will drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Luzon. Heavy rain could could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Saudel will weaken while the center crosses Luzon. The center of Saudel is likely to emerge over the South China Sea near Baguio in about 12 hours.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be under the southern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The shear will inhibit intensification but it will not be strong enough to keep Tropical Storm Saudel from intensifying. Saudel will begin to strengthen again when it moves back over water and it could intensify into a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will approach the coast of Vietnam in a few days.

Tropical Storm Saudel Develops East of Luzon

Tropical Storm Saudel developed east of Luzon on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 124.3°E which put it about 185 miles (300 km) east of Baler, Philippines. Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest 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.

A low pressure system east of Luzon strengthened on Monday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Saudel. The circulation around Tropical Storm Saudel exhibited more organization on satellite images. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be under the southern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Saudel will start to move across northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will weaken while it moves over Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel will move over the South China Sea in about 24 hours. Saudel will begin to strengthen again when it moves back over water.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west-northwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will reach the coast of northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some parts of Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in a few days.

Tropical Storm Mitag Brings Wind and Rain to South Korea

Tropical Storm Mitag brought wind and rain to South Korea on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Mitag was located at latitude 36.1°N and longitude 128.5°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) north-northeast of Taegu, South Korea.  Mitag was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (34 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.

Tropical Storm Mitag moved quickly across South Korea on Wednesday.  An upper level trough over eastern Asia was producing strong southwesterly winds which steered Mitag quickly toward the northeast.  Those winds were also causing strong vertical wind shear, which was blowing the upper part of Tropical Storm Mitag northeast of the lower level circulation.  The vertical wind shear and the tilting of the circulation toward the northeast were contributing to the transition of Mitag to an extratropical cyclone.  The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern portion of the tropical storm over the Korea Strait and Sea of Japan.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (250 km) on that side of Tropical Storm Mitag.

Tropical Storm Mitag was dropping heavy rain over parts of South Korea.  The rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Rain will taper off when Tropical Storm Mitag moves away from South Korea on Thursday.  Mitag will start to move more toward the east when it makes the transition to an extratropical cyclone.  On its anticipated track the extratropical storm will move quickly across the Sea of Japan and it could reach northern Honshu in about 24 hours.  It could drop locally heavy rain on parts of northern Honshu and cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Mitag Passing Just East of China

Typhoon Mitag was passing just to the east of China on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Mitag was located at latitude 27.7°N and longitude 122.2°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) south-southeast of Shanghai, China.  Mitag was moving toward the north-northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 970 mb.

Typhoon Mitag began to weaken later on Monday.  An upper level  trough over eastern Asia was producing southerly winds which were blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The circulation around Mitag was drawing drier air from Asia into the southern and western parts of the typhoon.  There was still an eye at the center of Typhoon Mitag.  However the ring of strong thunderstorms around the eye weakened.  The stronger bands of showers and thunderstorms were in the northern half of the circulation.  Bands in the southern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 215 miles (345 km) from the center.

Typhoon Mitag will likely to continue to weaken during the next several days.  The upper level trough will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The circulation around Mitag will also continue to draw drier air from Asia into the typhoon.  Typhoon Mitag will continue to weaken slowly and it could weaken to a tropical storm  within 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Typhoon Mitag toward the north-northeast during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Mitag will turn more toward the northeast in a day or so.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Mitag will pass to the east of Ningbo and Shanghai.  Mitag could approach South Korea in about 36 hours.  It will likely be a tropical storm by that time, but Mitag could drop locally heavy rain over South Korea.

Typhoon Mitag Nears Northeast Taiwan

Typhoon Mitag moved nearer to northeastern Taiwan on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Mitag was located near latitude 22.3°N and longitude 122.7°E which put it about 180 miles (290 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Mitag was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 976 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Mitag strengthened into a typhoon on Sunday.  A circular eye appeared at the center of Typhoon Mitag on satellite images.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms.  There were some breaks in the ring of storms, but the strongest winds were occurring in the ring.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mitag.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away in all directions.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 185 miles (295 km) from the center.

Typhoon Mitag will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Mitag will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are not too strong and there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Mitag could strengthen on Monday if the center of circulation does not pass over northeastern Taiwan.  If the center of Mitag does move over Taiwan, then the typhoon will weaken,

Typhoon Mitag will move around the western end of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Mitag toward the north-northwest.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Mitag will be near northeastern Taiwan within 12 hours.  Mitag could drop heavy rain over parts of Taiwan and flash floods are possible.  Rainbands in the eastern side of the typhoon will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Typhoon Mitag could approach the east coast of China near Taizhou in about 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Mitag Forms Southeast of Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Mitag formed southeast of the Ryukyu Islands on Friday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Mitag was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 131.5°E which put it about 730 miles (1180 km) southeast of Ishigaki, Japan.  Mitag was movign toward the west-northwest at 27 m.p.h. (44 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.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of a low pressure system southeast of the Ryukyu Islands on Friday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Mitag.  The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Mitag was asymmetrical.  A few thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation, but most of the thunderstorms were forming in bands in the southern half of the circulation.  Bands in the northern half of Mitag consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Tropical Storm Mitag was moving around the southwestern portion of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge was producing northeasterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Mitag.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Mitag will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next two days.  Mitag will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  Mitag will move around the western end of the upper level ridge where the winds are weaker.  The wind shear is likely to decrease and Tropical Storm Mitag is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon during the weekend.

The ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean will steer Tropical Storm Mitag toward the northwest during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Mitag will move more toward the north when it moves around the west end of the ridge in about 48 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropcial Storm Mitag could reach the southern Ryukyu Islands in about 48 hours.  Mitag could be a typhoon at that time.

Tropical Storm Leepi Approaches Kyushu

Tropical Storm Leepi approached Kyushu late on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Leepi was located at latitude 29.8°N and longitude 135.3°E which put it about 335 miles (545 km) east-southeast of Kagoshima, Japan.  Leepi was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 983 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Leepi became much better organized on Monday.  A large circular clear area formed at the center of circulation, which represented the formation of an eye.  A primary band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped most of the way around the formative eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that band of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern half of the circulation were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Leepi.  Bands northwest of the center consisted mostly of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 110 miles (170 km) from the center of circulation.  Storms around the center of Tropical Storm Leepi were generating upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Leepi will move through an environment that will become less favorable on Tuesday.  Leepi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C which means there will be enough energy to support a strong tropical storm.  However, an upper level ridge northwest of Japan will produce northeasterly winds which will cause significant vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Leepi to start to weaken when it nears Japan.

The ridge northwest of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Leepi toward the northwest on Tuesday.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Leepi will reach southeastern Kyushu in about 18 hours.  Leepi will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Kyushu late on Tuesday.  The locally heavy rain could create the potential for flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Bebinca meandered southwest of Hong Kong and Tropical Storm Hector move westward across the International Date Line.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Bebinca was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 113.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong.  Bebinca was moving toward the north-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. (95km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Hector was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 176.2°E which put it about 760 miles (1225 km) east-northeast of Wake Island.  Hector was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (29 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.