Tag Archives: Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Ma-on Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Ma-on brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Tuesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Ma-on was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 121.2°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Claveria, Philippines. Ma-on was moving toward the 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 985 mb.

Tropical Storm Ma-on brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Luzon on Tuesday morning. The center of Ma-on made landfall on the northeastern coast of Luzon east of Tuguegarao during Monday night. Tropical Storm Ma-on moved northwest across northern Luzon. Ma-on intensified before it made landfall and it was almost a typhoon at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Ma-on’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Ma-on will move through an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea. Ma-on will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 29˚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 Ma-on’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Ma-on is likely to strengthen to a typhoon during the next 36 hours.

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 will move away from northern Luzon later on Tuesday. Ma-on will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon until it moves farther away. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Ma-on could be south of Hong Kong in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Tokage intensified to a typhoon southeast of Japan. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Tokage was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 149.6°E which put it about 670 miles (1080 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Tokage was moving toward the north-northwest at 19 m.p.h. (30 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.

Tropical Storm Mulan Forms South of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Mulan formed over the South China Sea south of Hing Kong on Tuesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Mulan was located at latitude 17.9°N and longitude 112.8°E which put it about 280 miles (450 km) south of Hong Kong. Mulan was moving toward the north at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

A small low pressure system on the eastern side of a much larger low pressure system over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong strengthened on Tuesday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Mulan. The circulation around Tropical Storm Mulan was embedded in a larger low pressure system over the South China Sea which had a diameter of 700 miles (1130 km). The distribution of thunderstorms around Mulan was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the eastern half of Mulan’s circulation. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Mulan’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Mulan will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mulan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the eastern side of a broad upper level low over the South China Sea. The upper low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Mulan’s circulation. The winds at lower levels in the atmosphere will also blow from the south. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Even though the water will be warm and there will be little vertical wind shear, the fact that Tropical Storm Mulan is a smaller low pressure system embedded in a much larger low pressure system is likely to inhibit intensification.

Tropical Storm Mulan will move around the northeastern part of the larger low pressure system over the South China Sea during the next 24 hours. The larger low pressure system will steer Mulan toward the northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Mulan could approach the south coast of China near Zhanjiang within 24 hours. Mulan will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of southern China. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Chaba Strengthens South of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Chaba was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 113.7°E which put it about 275 miles (445 km) south of Hong Kong, China. Chaba was moving toward the northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened south of Hong Kong on Thursday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around most of the center of circulation. The strongest winds were occurring in the part of the rainband wrapped around the center. Bands of thunderstorms were occurring in the southern half of Chaba’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of Chaba contained more showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the 24 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the northern part of the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Chaba will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and it could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Chaba could be near the northeastern part of Hainan Island in 18 hours. Chaba could approach the coast of southern China near Zhanjiang in 24 hours. Chaba could be a typhoon when it approaches southern China. It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere formed south-southeast of Okinawa. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 130.8°E which put it about 470 miles (760 km) south-southeast of Okinawa. Aere was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb. Tropical Storm Aere is forecast to move toward the north-northwest and to strengthen gradually. Aere could be near Okinawa in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba Forms over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Chaba formed over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Chaba was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 115.1°E which put it about 440 miles (710 km) south of Hong Kong, China. Chaba was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South China Sea south of Hong Kong strengthened on Wednesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Chaba. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Chaba was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Chaba’s circulation. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

An upper level ridge over southern China was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Chaba. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear was contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the 36 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, the upper level ridge over southern China will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent some intensification of Chaba. Tropical Storm Chaba is likely to intensify gradually during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the north-northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Chaba could approach Hainan Island and the coast of southern China in 36 hours.

Typhoon Rai Rapidly Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Typhoon Rai rapidly weakened to a tropical storm south-southwest of Hong Kong on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rai was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 113.5°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong. Rai was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

A surface high pressure system over eastern Asia produced northeasterly winds that transported drier air which was pulled into the circulation of former Typhoon Rai. The drier air caused the thunderstorms in Rai’s circulation to dissipate and the circulation weakened. Bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Rai consisted almost entirely of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation.

Since Tropical Storm Rai consists of a shallow circulation, it will be steered by the winds in the lower levels of he atmosphere. Rai will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Tropical Storm Rai toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Rai could be southwest of Taiwan in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Rai will move through an environment unfavorable for a tropical cyclone. Rai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. However, Rai will continue to be surrounded by drier air, which will prevent the formation of new thunderstorms. In addition, an upper level trough over eastern Asia will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Rai’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear and the shear will also be unfavorable for intensification. Tropical Storm Rai will continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 120.9°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Claveria, Philippines. Kompasu was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 981 mb.

Rainbands in the southern side of Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. The center of Kompasu passed just north of Luzon. Thunderstorms in bands in southern half of Tropical Storm Kompasu passed over the northern end of Luzon. Kompasu strengthened as it approached northern Luzon. More thunderstorms developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Kompasu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move south of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kompasu’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Kompasu is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 24 hours. Kompasu could intensify to a typhoon over the South China Sea.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Kompasu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu will pass south of Hong Kong in 24 hours. Kompasu could approach Hainan in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Namtheun intensified east of the northern Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Namtheun was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 154.0°E which put it about 555 miles (895 km) east of Agrihan. Namtheun was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Lupit Forms Southeast of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Lupit formed southeast of Hong Kong on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lupit was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 115.9°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Lupit was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 994 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system southeast of Hong Kong exhibited more organization on Tuesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Lupit. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Lupit. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Lupit was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Lupit. Bands on the northern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Lupit was under the southern part of an upper level ridge over eastern China. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Lupit’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lupit will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. The upper level ridge over eastern China will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification. The wind shear may not be strong enough to prevent intensification and Tropical Storm Lupit could strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Lupit will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Lupit toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Lupit could be over the southern Taiwan Strait southeast of Shantou, China in 24 hours. Lupit could produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain over portions of the coast of Eastern China.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a tropical depression formed east of Taiwan. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 24.0°N and longitude 125.9°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) southwest of Okinawa. The tropical depression was moving toward the east-northeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 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. The depression is forecast to move toward the northeast and to strengthen. It could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to some of the Ryukyu Islands.

Cempaka Strengthens to a Typhoon Southwest of Hong Kong

Former Tropical Storm Cempaka strengthened to a typhoon southwest of Hong Kong on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Cempaka was located at latitude 21.3°N and longitude 112.4°E which put it about 130 miles (210 km) southwest of Hong Kong. Cempaka was moving toward the west-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 978 mb.

The small circulation around former Tropical Storm Cempaka strengthened quickly on Monday. A small circular eye formed at the center of Typhoon Cempaka. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Cempaka. 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) from the center of Cempaka. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Cempaka will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Cempaka will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will remain under an upper level ridge over the South China Sea. The winds are weak in the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Cempaka could intensify during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Cempaka will move south of a surface high pressure system over eastern China. The high pressure system will steer Cempaka slowly toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Cempaka could approach the south coast of China near Yangjiang in about 12 hours. Cempaka will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the coast of Guangdong province. Since Cempaka will move very slowly some locations could receive extremely heavy rainfall and flash floods are likely in those places. Typhoon Cempaka could also produce of storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along parts of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm In-Fa stalled southeast of Okinawa. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm In-Fa was located at latitude 24.3°N and longitude 130.9°E which put it about 265 miles (425 km) southeast of Okinawa. In-Fa was moving toward the west-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 983 mb. Tropical Storm In-Fa is forecast to move toward the west during the next several days and to intensify to a typhoon. In-Fa could be south of Okinawa in 30 hours. It could be over the southwestern Ryukyu Islands in 72 hours and near northern Taiwan in less than four days.

Tropical Storm Cempaka Forms Southwest of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Cempaka formed southwest of Hong Kong on Sunday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Cempaka was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 113.0°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) southwest of Hong Kong. Cempaka was moving toward the west-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

The circulation around a small low pressure system organized quickly on Sunday evening and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Cempaka. The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Cempaka and an eye appeared to be forming in the middle of the tropical storm. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Cempaka. Storm near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles from the center of Cempaka.

Tropical Storm Cempaka will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Cempaka will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C during the next 24 hours. It will move under an upper level ridge over the South China Sea. The winds are weak in the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Cempaka will intensify during the next 24 hours and there is a chance it could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Cempaka will move south of a surface high pressure system over eastern China. The high pressure system will steer Cempaka slowly toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Cempaka could approach the south coast of China near Yangjiang in about 24 hours. Cempaka could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast. It will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the coast of Guangdong province. Cempaka could also produce of storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along parts of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm In-Fa strengthened southeast of Okinawa. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm In-Fa was located at latitude 24.1°N and longitude 131.3°E which put it about 290 miles (465 km) southeast of Okinawa. In-Fa was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 986 mb. Tropical Storm In-Fa is forecast to move toward the west during the next several days and to intensify to a typhoon. In-Fa could be south of Okinawa in 36 hours. It could be over the southwestern Ryukyu Islands in three days and near northern Taiwan in four days.

Tropical Storm Atsani Passes Just South of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Atsani passed just south of Taiwan early on Friday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Atsani was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 120.7°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south of Taiwan. Atsani was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 995 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Atsani passed just to the south of the southern tip of Taiwan early on Friday. Radar images from the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau showed the well organized structure of Tropical Storm Atsani.

There was a small, tight center of circulation. The center was surrounded by a partial eyewall and the strongest winds were occurring in eyewall. Multiple bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Atsani. Bands in the northern half of Atsani were dropping heavy rain over the southern half of Taiwan. The heaviest rain was falling in parts of southeastern Taiwan where the wind was pushing air up the eastern slopes of mountains. Flash floods are possible in those areas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Atsani.

Tropical Storm Atsani will be in an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours. Atsani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will be in an area where the upper level winds are weaker and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Atsani could intensify during the next 24 hours and there is a chance it could strengthen into a typhoon. An upper level trough over eastern Asia will approach Atsani during the weekend. The trough will produce stronger southwesterly winds which will cause more vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Atsani will weaken when the wind shear increases. If the shear is strong enough, the upper level winds could blow the top half of Atsani northeast of the low level circulation.

Tropical Storm Atsani will move south of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Atsani toward the west during the next day or so. If the wind shear blows the top half of Tropical Storm Atsani northeast of the lower level circulation, then a surface high pressure system over eastern Asia could push the lower half of Atsani toward the southeast. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Atsani will pass southeast of Hong Kong and it could eventually move toward Vietnam.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, the remnants of former Typhoon Goni were dropping heavy rain over parts of Vietnam. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Goni was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 108.3°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west of Quy Nhon, Vietnam. Goni was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb. Tropical Depression Goni is dropping heavy rain over ground that is already saturated and the rain will make ongoing floods worse.