Tag Archives: Hong Kong

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.

Tropical Storm Yagi Makes Landfall on East Coast of China

Tropical Storm Yagi made landfall on the east coast of China between Wenzhou and Taizhou on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Yagi was located at latitude 28.4°N and longitude 121.7°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) south of Taizhou, China.  Yagi was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 Yagi was moving steadily inland over Zhejiang province between Wenzhou and Taizhou.  The strongest winds were occurring in bands of thunderstorms east of the center of circulation that were over the coastal waters of the East China Sea.  The wind in those areas will diminish when Yagi moves farther inland.  The greatest risk will be locally heavy rain falling over parts of Zhejiang province.  Rainfall could be enhanced where the wind blows up the slopes of mountains and steep terrain increases the potential for flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Leepi moved closer to Iwo To and Tropical Depression 20W formed southwest of Hong Kong.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Leepi was located at latitude 24.1°N and longitude 141.2°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Leepi was moving toward the north-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 55 m.p.h. (90 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression 20W was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 112.4°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) southwest of Macao.  It was moving toward the east-southeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh Develops East of Hainan Island

Tropical Storm Son-tinh developed east of Hainan Island on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 116.9°E which put it about 430 miles east of Hainan Island.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west at 24 m.p.h. (35 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 circulation began west of Guam last week and then it moved north of the Philippines on Monday.  Thunderstorms would form near the circulation and then wind shear would blow the tops of the storms away.  A small area of thunderstorms eventually persisted near the center of circulation on Monday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Son-tinh.  There was a small tight center of circulation in Son-tinh, but strong upper level winds were causing the distribution of thunderstorms to be asymmetrical.  More of the thunderstorms were occurring west of the center.  The circulation of Son-tinh was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification.  Son-tinh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh is moving south of an upper level ridge.  The ridge is producing strong easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear and the shear will limit intensification.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh could intensify a little before it reaches Hainan Island, but it will weaken when it moves over the island.

The ridge north of Son-tinh is steering the tropical storm rapidly toward the west and that general motion is forecast to continue on Tuesday.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Son-tinh will reach Hainan Island in about 18 hours.  Son-tinh will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain.  Isolated flash floods could occur,but the overall impacts are likely to be minor.

Tropical Storm Maliksi Forms East of Luzon, Ewiniar Brings Rain to South China.

Tropical Storm Maliksi formed east of Luzon on Thursday while Tropical Storm Ewiniar brought rain to parts of South China.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Maliksi was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 127.7°E which put it about 330 miles (535 km) east of Luzon.  Maliksi was moving toward the north at 4 m.p.h. (6 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.

The Japan Meteorological Agency designated an area of low pressure east of Luzon as Tropical Storm Maliksi late on Thursday.  There was a large counterclockwise circulation east of Luzon, but there were few thunderstorms near the center of the circulation.  Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in three bands in the outer portions of the circulation.  One band was located well to the west of the center of circulation, a second band was located well to the north of the center and the third band was located well to the east of the center.  The winds to tropical storm force were occurring in those bands.

Tropical Storm Maliksi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 48 hours.  Maliksi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Maliksi will move underneath an upper level ridge where the winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The large circulation will be the primary factor inhibiting intensification in the short term.  Maliksi will intensify slowly until thunderstorms develop near the center of circulation and the strongest winds occur closer to the center.

Tropical Storm Maliksi will move around the western end of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge will steer Maliksi slowly toward the north.  When Tropical Storm Maliksi moves farther to the north westerly winds will begin to steer it toward the northeast.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Maliksi will remain east of Luzon.  The circulation of Maliksi is so large that rainbands on the western side of the circulation could affect the northern Philippines.

Elsewhere over the western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Ewiniar brought heavy rain to parts of South China.  Ewiniar made landfall on the coast of China near Yangjiang on Thursday.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Ewiniar was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 112.1°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Yangjiang, China.  Ewiniar was moving toward the north 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 998 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Ewiniar was moving farther inland over South China.  The winds to tropical storm force were occurring in rainbands that were still over the South China Sea.  Ewiniar was dropping heavy rain over parts of western Guangdong province and over southern Zizhiqu province.  The heavy rain could cause flooding in those areas.

Tropical Storm Ewiniar Forms Near Coast of South China

Tropical Storm Ewiniar formed near the coast of South China late on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Ewiniar was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 110.5°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Zhanjiang, China.  Ewiniar was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 distinct low level center of circulation consolidated in a cluster of showers and thunderstorms moving over the South China Sea near Hainan Island on Monday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Ewiniar.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms developed west of the center of circulation.  Bands east of the center consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force were occurring within 60 miles (95 km) of the center o circulation.

Tropical Storm Ewiniar has 12 to 24 hours during which it could intensify if the center remains over water.  The Sea Surface Temperature of the water near the coast of South China is about 30°C.  Ewiniar is under the southwestern portion of a narrow upper level ridge.  The ridge is producing weak southerly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Even though the atmospheric and oceanic environments are favorable for intensification, a portion of the circulation of Tropical Storm Ewiniar is already over land.  The friction caused by the flow of air over the land will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Ewiniar could intensify a little more if the center remains over water.

The upper level ridge was steering Tropical Storm Ewiniar toward the northwest.  A general motion toward the north is expected for the next 24 to 48 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Ewiniar will move near the east coast of the Leizhou Peninsula.  Ewiniar could move inland near Wuchuan and Dianbai.  Tropical Storm Ewiniar will bring some gust winds to South China, but the greater risks are the potential for heavy rain and floods.

Tropical Storm Haikui Moves Across South China Sea

Tropical Storm Haikui moved across the South China Sea on Friday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Haikui was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 115.4°E which put it about 485 miles (785 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam.  Haikui was moving toward the west-northwest 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 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Haikui strengthened slightly on Friday, but the circulation remained asymmetrical.  Most of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring east of the center of circulation.  A short primary rainband wrapped around the eastern side of the center.  Several other broken bands of showers and thunderstorms formed to the east of the primary rainband.  Bands of showers and storms were also located south of the center of circulation.  Storms near the core of Tropical Storm Haikui were generating some upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the east of the tropical storm.  The bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of low clouds and showers.

Tropical Storm Haikui will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Haikui will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  Colder, drier air over eastern Asia was flowing toward the western side of Tropical Storm Haikui.  The upper level westerly winds of the middle latitudes were blowing just to the northwest of Tropical Storm Haikui.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical shear over the northwestern periphery of Haikui.  The winds over the core of Tropical Storm Haikui were weaker.  If Tropical Storm Haikui remains south of the stronger westerly winds, it could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours.

A ridge to the north of Haikui is steering the tropical storm toward the west-northwest.  The ridge is forecast to strengthen and Tropical Storm Haikui is likely to move more toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Haikui will pass south of Hainan Island in about 48 hours.  Tropical Storm Haikui could reach the coast of Vietnam in less than three days.

Khanun Intensifies Into a Typhoon Southeast of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Khanun intensified into a typhoon southeast of Hong Kong on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Khanun was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 114.2°W which put it about 170 miles (275 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong.  Khanun was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

The circulation of Typhoon Khanun became much more well organized on Saturday.  A small circular eye formed at the center of circulation.  A tight ring of strong thunderstorms formed around the eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Khanun.  There were many more showers and thunderstorms in the western half of the circulation.  The storms in the core of Khanun were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the west of the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 250 miles (400 km) from the center.

Typhoon Khanun will move through an environment favorable for intensification for about another 12 to 18 hours.  Khanun will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level ridge north of Typhoon Khanun is producing easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  The easterly winds are causing some vertical wind shear, but the shear is not strong enough to prevent intensification.  The circulation of Typhoon Khanun will interact with land in 12 to 18 hours and that interaction should halt further intensification.

The ridge north of Khanun has been steering the typhoon toward the west-northwest.  The ridge is forecast to strengthen on Sunday and it will steer Typhoon Khanun more toward the west.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Khanun will pass south of Hong Kong and Macao on Sunday.  Khanun will approach the south coast of China near Zhanjiang in 12 to 18 hours.  Typhoon Khanun will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern China west of Hong Kong and Macao.  The heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations.  Typhoon Khanun will be weaker when it moves over the Gulf of Tongking in about 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Mawar Nears Landfall in China

Tropical Storm Mawar moved closer to a landfall in China on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Mawar was located at latitude 22.2°N and longitude 116.4°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) east of Hong Kong.  Mawar was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 55 m.p.h. (90 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Mawar is very asymmetrical.  Most of the thunderstorms are located south of the center of circulation.  A primary rainband is just south of the center of circulation and there are several other bands farther south of the center.  Recent visible satellite images suggest that the eastern end of the primary rainband could be trying to wrap around the center.  Thunderstorms in the primary rainband were generating some upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the southwest of the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Mawar will move through an environment that is somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 18 hours.  Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level ridge centered over China is producing northeasterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are generating moderate vertical wind shear.  Those winds may also be the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.  Mawar could intensify before it makes landfall in China.

Tropical Storm Mawar is being steered slowly toward the west-northwest by a ridge near Japan.  That general motion is expected to continue for the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Mawar will make landfall in China east of Hong Kong in 12 to 18 hours.  Mawar will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Guangdong province.  The rain could contribute to flooding in some locations.  Mawar is likely to weaken steadily after it makes landfall.

Tropical Storm Pakhar Makes Landfall Near Macau

Tropical Storm Pakhar sped across the South China Sea and made landfall on the coast of China near Macau.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Pakhar was located at latitude 22.3°N and longitude 112.7°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) southwest of Hong Kong.  Pakhar was moving toward the northwest at 27 m.p.h. (43 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Pakhar will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain as it quickly moves inland over southern China.  The wind and rain will hinder the efforts in the area to recover from Typhoon Hato.  Fortunately, Tropical Storm Pakhar is a fairly small storm.  Winds to tropical storm force only extend out about 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.  The small size of Pakhar and its rapid rate of movement will limit the impact of the tropical storm.  Tropical Storm Pakhar should spin down fairly quickly as it rapidly moves inland.

Typhoon Hato Brings Wind and Rain to Hong Kong

Typhoon Hato brought wind and rain to Hong Kong as the eye moved just south of the city.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Hato was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 113.8°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong.  Hato was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Typhoon Hato intensified rapidly as it approached Hong Kong.  A circular eye with a diameter of 50 miles (80 km) developed at the center of Hato.  The eye was surrounded by a thick ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hato.  The size of the circulation around Typhoon Hato also increased significantly.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 175 miles (280 km) from the center.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.7.  Those indices indicate that Typhoon Hato is capable of producing serious regional wind damage.  Typhoon Hato could cause a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) along the coast.  Hato will also drop heavy rain over parts of China and flash floods could occur in some areas.

Typhoon Hato is being steered toward the west-northwest by a subtropical ridge northeast of the typhoon and that general motion is forecast to continue.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Hato will make landfall west of Hong Kong in a few hours.  Hato will continue to move inland over southeastern China.   Typhoon Hato will weaken as it moves inland, but it could drop locally heavy rain over parts of Zizhiqu, Huangzu and Guangxi provinces.