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Typhoon Saola Brings Wind and Rain to Hong Kong

Typhoon Saloa brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hong Kong on Friday morning. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 114.0°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Saloa brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hong Kong on Friday morning. The Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) reported a sustained wind speed of 63 m.p.h. (102 km/h) and a wind gust of 85 m.p.h. (139 km/h). The strongest winds in Typhoon Saola were occurring in the South China Sea just to the south of Hong Kong.

Typhoon Saloa started to weaken just as it approached Hong Kong. Northerly winds blowing around the western side of Saola’s circulation pulled drier air over China into the typhoon. The drier air caused Typhoon Saola to start to weaken. Even though Saola started to weaken, it remained a powerful typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Typhoon Saola. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saola was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.6. Typhoon Saola was capable of causing region major damage.

Typhoon Saola will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will move along the coast of Guangdong province.

Typhoon Saola will continue to produce strong winds and heavy rain in Hong Kong during the next few hours. The strong winds could cause widespread outages of electricity. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Typhoon Saloa will weaken as it pulls in more drier air. Even though Saola will weaken, strong winds and heavy rain will spread along the coastal part of Guangdong province west of Hong Kong as Typhoon Saola moves toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. Strong winds and heavy rain could reach Macau in a few hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Haikui was moving toward Taiwan and Tropical Storm Kirogi weakened east of Iwo To. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 127.3°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) east of Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 971 mb. Typhoon Haikui could approach Taiwan in 36 hours.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 149.0°E which put it about 475 miles (765 km) east of Iwo To. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 999 mb.

Typhoon Saola Nears Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Saola neared Hong Kong on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 115.9°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 935 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved steadily closer to Hong Kong on Thursday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Saola’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 Saola’s circulation. 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 Saola remained relatively constant on Thursday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Saola’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 Saola was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.5. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit Louisiana in 2021.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, the circulation around Typhoon Saola could pull in some drier air over China when Saola gets closer to Hong Kong. In addition, if the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. Typhoon Saola is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours, when drier air gets pulled into its circulation.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saola will be near Hong Kong in 12 hours.

Typhoon Saola could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Hong Kong. Saola will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the area around Hong Kong. Widespread electricity outages are likely. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. There will also be a significant storm surge where the wind blows the water toward the coast.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Haikui was moving toward Taiwan and Tropical Storm Kirogi was spinning east-southeast of Iwo To. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 535 miles (865 km) east of Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 975 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 150.9°E which put it about 715 miles (1155 km) east-southeast of Iwo To. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 992 mb.

Typhoon Saola Moves Toward Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved across the South China Sea toward Hong Kong on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 117.8°E which put it about 265 miles (430 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

Typhoon Saola maintained its intensity near the threshold of the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale in Tuesday. A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (30 km) was at the center of Saola’ circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Saola’s circulation. 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 Saola remained relatively constant on Wednesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Saola’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 Saola was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.2. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ian when Ian hit southwest Florida in 2022.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Saola has been in equilibrium with its environment and Saola could maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours unless concentric eyewalls form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Saola to weaken.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will closer to Hong Kong. The center of Saola could be near Hong Kong in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Haikui was southeast of Okinawa and Tropical Storm Kirogi developed rapidly east of the Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Haikui was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 485 miles (780 km) southeast of Okinawa. Haikui was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 989 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 154.2°E which put it about 650 miles (1050 km) east of Guam. Kirogi was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Saola Moves Between Taiwan and Luzon

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved between Taiwan and Luzon on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 20.3°N and longitude 120.7°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) south-southeast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Saola was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

Typhoon Saola intensified to the threshold of the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale in Tuesday. A circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km) was at the center of Saola’ 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 Saola’s circulation. 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 Saola increased when Saola intensified on Tuesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Saola’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 Saola was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.5. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ian when Ian hit southwest Florida in 2022.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Saola could maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours unless concentric eyewalls for again. If concentric eyewalls form again, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Saola to weaken.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will move over the South China Sea. Saola could be near Hong Kong later this week.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Haikui was southwest of Iwo To. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Haikui was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 135.7°E which put it about 457 miles (755 km) southwest of Iwo To. Haikui was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 990 mb.

Talim Strengthens to a Typhoon South of Hong Kong

Former Tropical Storm Talim strengthened to a typhoon south of Hong Kong on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Talim was located at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 113.7°E which put it about 180 miles (290 km) south of Hong Kong. Talim was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 975 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Talim strengthened steadily during the weekend and Talim reached typhoon intensity on Sunday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Talim’s circulation. An eye was evident on conventional and microwave satellite images. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in the ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Typhoon Talim. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the northern side of Talim’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Talim.

Typhoon Talim will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Talim will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Talim’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Talim will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Talim will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Talim toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Talim will make landfall on the coast of south China near Zhanjiang and Leizhou in 24 hours. Typhoon Talim will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southern China. Talim will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Typhoon Talim could cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of southern China. Talim will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Vietnam early next week.

Tropical Storm Talim Forms over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Talim formed over the South China Sea during Friday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Talim was located at latitude 18.2°N and longitude 117.7°E which put it about 360 miles (585 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Talim was moving toward the northwest 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 992 mb.

A large low pressure system over the South China Sea strengthened during Friday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Talim. The circulation around Tropical Storm Talim was very large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Talim’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the eastern side of the circulation. Even though the circulation around Tropical Storm Talim was large, the winds were weaker near the center of circulation. There were few thunderstorms near the center of circulation. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and southern sides of Tropical Storm Talim.

Tropical Storm Talim will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The water at the surface of the South China Sea is very warm. Talim will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge that extends from the Western North Pacific Ocean to China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Talim’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Talim is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours in spite of the vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Talim will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Talim toward the northwest during the weekend. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Talim could be south of Hong Kong in less than 48 hours. Talim could approach the coast of southern China early next week. Tropical Storm Talim could be a typhoon when it approaches southern China.

Nalgae Strengthens to a Typhoon South-Southeast of Hong Kong

Former Tropical Storm Nalgae strengthened to a typhoon over the South China Sea south-southeast of Hong Kong on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Nalgae was located at latitude 18.2°N and longitude 116.3°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong. Nalgae was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 981 mb.

Typhoon Nalgae strengthened gradually over the South China Sea south-southeast of Hong Kong on Monday. A large eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Nalgae’s circulation. A broken ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Nalgae. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the western side of Nalgae. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 330 miles (515 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Nalgae will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Nalgae will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the western side of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific. The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Nalgae’s circulation. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Nalgae is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Nalgae will move into an environment where there is drier air in the lower levels of the atmosphere when it moves closer to China. Typhoon Nalgae will weaken when the drier air gets pulled into its circulation.

Typhoon Nalgae will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nalgae toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Nalgae will move closer to Hong Kong during the next 24 hours. Nalgae will move more toward the west when it encounters the drier environment near China and weakens.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Banyan developed east of the Philippines. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Banyan was located at latitude 7.3°N and longitude 131.2°E which put it about 320 miles (515 km) east of Mindanao. Banyan 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 1000 mb.

Typhoon Nesat Passes South of Hong Kong

Typhoon Nesat passed south of Hong Kong as it moved across the South China Sea on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Nesat was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 113.3°E which put it about 285 miles (460 km) south of Hong Kong. Nesat was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

Typhoon Nesat started to weaken on Monday night as it passed south of Hong Kong. A circular eye was still present at the center of Nesat’s circulation. However a break occurred in the southeastern part of the ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye of Typhoon Nesat. The strongest winds were occurring in the broken ring of thunderstorms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were occurring in the western half of Nesat. Bands in the eastern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Nesat generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Nesat interacted with a large surface high pressure system over southern China to produce a large area of tropical storm force winds in the northern part of Nesat’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 400 miles (640 km) in the northern side of Typhoon Nesat. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) in the southern side of Nesat. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Nesat will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that extends over the Western North Pacific Ocean to southern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. The surface high pressure system over southern China will produce northeasterly winds that will transport drier air into the northern and western parts of Typhoon Nesat. The vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Typhoon Nesat to weaken during the next 48 hours.

The surface high pressure system over southern China will steer Typhoon Nesat toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Nesat will pass south of Hainan in 36 hours. Nesat is likely to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it passes south of Hainan. Nesat could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hainan on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Nesat Intensifies to a Typhoon Northwest of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Nesat intensified to a typhoon over the South China Sea northwest of Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Nesat was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 119.5°E which put it about 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Laoag, Philippines. Nesat was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Nesat rapidly intensified to a typhoon over the South China Sea on Sunday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Typhoon Nesat. The eye was surrounded 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 Nesat’s circulation. The strongest rainbands were in the western and northern parts of the circulation. Storms near the core of Nesat generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Nesat’s circulation. Storms to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Nesat will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that extends over the Western North Pacific Ocean to eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Typhoon Nesat will strengthen during the next 24 hours. Nesat could continue to intensify rapidly during the next few hours.

Typhoon Nesat will move around the southern side of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean and eastern China. The high pressure system will steer Nesat toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Nesat could be south of Hong Kong within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Ma-on Moves over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Ma-on moved over the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong on Wednesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Ma-on was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 116.1°E which put it about 245 miles (395 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Ma-on was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 Ma-on maintained its intensity as it moved over the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong on Wednesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and eastern sides of the center of Ma-on’s circulation. However, the distribution of thunderstorms in the rest of Tropical Storm Ma-on was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Ma-on. Bands in the eastern and northern parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over China was producing east-northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Ma-on. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Ma-on will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ma-on will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 29˚C. The upper level ridge over China will continue to cause vertical wind shear. If the vertical wind shear does not increase, then Tropical Storm Ma-on could strengthen during the next 24 hours. There is a chance Ma-on could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Ma-on will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ma-on toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Ma-on could be south of Hong Kong in 12 hours. The center of Ma-on could make landfall on the south coast of China near Yangjiang and Dianbai in 24 hours. Tropical Storm Ma-on will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern China. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Tokage was passing east of Japan. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Tokage was located at latitude 35.8°N and longitude 149.4°E which put it about 475 miles (770 km) east of Tokyo, Japan. Tokage was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 961 mb.