Tag Archives: Luzon

Typhoon Chanthu Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Chanthu rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Chanthu was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 133.0°E which put it about 915 miles (1475 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. Chanthu was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 929 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Chanthu rapidly intensified from a minimal tropical storm to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the past 24 hours. A small eye quickly developed at the center of Typhoon Chanthu. 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 Chanthu. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Chanthu was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Chanthu was 30.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.4. Typhoon Chanthu was capable of causing localized severe damage.

Typhoon Chanthu will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Chanthu could continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and there is a chance it could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Chanthu will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Chanthu toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chanthu could approach northeastern Luzon in 60 hours. Chanthu could be near Taiwan in less than four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to Luzon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 121.7°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Conson Brings Wind and Rain to Central Philippines

Tropical Storm Conson brought wind and rain to the central Philippines on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 124.6°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Calbayog, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 985 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Conson made landfall on the east coast of Samar near Borongan on Monday. Conson was nearly a typhoon at the time of landfall. A small eye was visible at the center of Tropical Storm Conson on both radar and microwave satellite images. Conson produced gusty winds as it passed over Samar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation. Tropical Storm Conson dropped heavy rain on Samar, Leyte, northern Cebu and northeastern Panay. Heavy rain could result in flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Conson will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Conson toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Conson will pass over the Visayan Sea and the Sibuyan Sea. The center of Conson could pass over Masbate during the next 12 hours. Tropical Storm Conson could reach southern Luzon in a day or so. Conson could be be near Manila in 48 hours. Tropical Storm Conson will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Masbate, Mindoro and southern Luzon.

Tropical Storm Conson will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Conson will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Since the circulation around Tropical Storm Conson is small, it is likely to weaken each time the center passes over land. The intensity of Conson could fluctuate when it moves over islands and water surfaces.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 19W was organizing quickly and it appeared to be on the verge of strengthening to a tropical storm. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 19W was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 137.1°E which put it about 1170 miles (1890 km) east-southeast of Taiwan. The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1003 mb. Tropical Depression 19W is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to intensify.

Tropical Storm Conson Develops Quickly near the Philippines

Tropical Storm Conson developed quickly near the Philippines on Monday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Conson was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 126.6°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) east-southeast of Dolores, Philippines. Conson was moving toward the west-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 991 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Conson organized quickly on Monday morning, The inner end of a primary rainband wrapped around the center of circulation. A small circular eye was at the center of Conson on microwave satellite images. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Conson was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Conson.

Tropical Storm Conson will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Conson will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Conson is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours and it could strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Conson will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Conson toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Conson will reach northeastern Samar in 12 hours. Conson could be a typhoon when it reaches Samar. It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Samar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Conson will weaken when the center passes over northeastern Samar. Since the circulation of Tropical Storm Conson is small, it could weaken quickly over land. The center of Tropical Storm Conson could move back over water when it moves north of Samar. The circulation could strengthen again when that happens. Conson could reach southeastern Luzon in a day or so.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific, Tropical Depression 19W formed north of Yap. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 19W was located at latitude 14.3°N and longitude 138.1°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) north of Yap. The tropical depression was moving toward the north 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 1006 mb. Tropical Depression 19W is forecast to move toward the west-northwest and to strengthen.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Drops Rain on Luzon

Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon around Manila on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 119.6°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) west-northwest of Manila, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1002 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan passed just south of Manila before the tropical storm moved west of Luzon. Bands near the center of Choi-wan dropped rain on parts of Luzon near Manila. Other bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped rain on Mindoro. Choi-wan was still producing a few winds that were blowing at tropical storm force, but Manila did not report any winds that were that strong.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan exhibited an organized circulation on Wednesday afternoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Choi-wan. Other bands of thunderstorms were in the southern half of the tropical storm. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an area that is marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The center of Choi-wan will move over the South China Sea where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, an upper level ridge centered over southern China will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification, but Tropical Storm Choi-wan could get a little stronger during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move northwest of Luzon during the next 24 hours. Choi-wan will turn toward the northeast on Friday after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Tropical Storm Choi-wan could approach the southern end of Taiwan in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Brings Rain to Philippines

Tropical Storm Choi-wan brought rain to the central Philippines on Tuesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 13.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 155 miles (250 km) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 1002 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan made an initial landfall on the east coast of Samar and then it moved west-northwest across the central Philippines. Choi-wan moved across the Sibuyan Sea and it was centered southeast of Manila on Tuesday night. The circulation around Tropical Storm Choi-wan weakened when the center passed over Samar, but it was still producing a small area of tropical storm force winds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan dropped locally heavy rain over parts of Samar, Masbate, Panay and Mindoro on Tuesday. An upper level ridge centered over southern China was producing northeasterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Choi-wan. Those winds were producing moderate vertical wind shear and they causing the heavier rain to fall in bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. Bands in the northern half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan could pass just south of Manila in 12 hours. Choi-wan could drop locally heavy rain on Mindoro and western Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an environment that is mostly unfavorable for intensification. Choi-wan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, the upper level ridge center over southern China will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification. The eastern side of the circulation around Tropical Storm Choi-wan will be over Luzon during the next 24 hours, which will also be unfavorable for intensification.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Nears the Philippines

Tropical Storm Choi-wan neared the central Philippines on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 10.4°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Philippines. Choi-wan was moving toward the west-northwest 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.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan was approaching Samar in the central Philippines on Monday night. An upper level ridge centered near Hong Kong was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Choi-wan. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were affecting the structure of the tropical storm. The stronger thunderstorms were occurring bands southwest of the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. The bands in the other parts of Choi-wan consisted mainly of showers and lower thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Choi-wan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, the upper level ridge will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will limit the potential for intensification. The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move over land later on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will reach Samar in 12 hours. Choi-wan will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Samar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan could reach the southeastern part of Luzon in 24 hours.

Typhoon Surigae Stalls East of Luzon

Typhoon Surigae stalled east of Luzon on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Surigae was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 126.1°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) east of Baler, Philippines. Surigae was moving toward the north-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 944 mb.

Typhoon Surigae completed an eyewall replacement cycle on Monday. The inner eyewall weakened to a swirl of low clouds. There was a large circular eye at the center of Surigae. The eye had a diameter of 60 miles (95 km). The large 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 Surigae. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The eyewall replacement cycle left Typhoon Surigae with a symmetrical circulation. Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Surigae. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Surigae was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.0.

Typhoon Surigae will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong typhoon during the next 24 hours. Surigae will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures will be near 29°C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the end of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Surigae will be moving slowly and it could mix cooler water to the surface. The cooler water could cause Surigae to weaken gradually.

Typhoon Surigae will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high will steer Surigae toward the north-northwest during the next 36 hours. After that time Typhoon Surigae will approach the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Those winds will turn Surigae toward the east. On its anticipated track, the core Typhoon Surigae with the strongest winds will remain east of Luzon.

Typhoon Surigae Spins East of the Philippines

Typhoon Surigae spun east of the Philippines on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Surigae was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 126.4°E which put it about 260 miles (420 km) east of Daet, Philippines. Surigae was moving toward the 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. (275 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.

An eyewall replacement cycle was underway in the core of Typhoon Surigae and the typhoon was weakening. The inner part of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall and a much larger outer eyewall formed. The low level winds converged into the outer eyewall and the inner eyewall weakened. The fastest wind speeds were in the inner eyewall. So, the maximum wind speed decreased when the inner eyewall weakened. There were still remnants of the original inner eyewall inside the outer eyewall, but the strongest wind speeds were occurring in the outer eyewall.

Typhoon Surigae was still large and powerful. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Surigae. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Surigae was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.2.

Typhoon Surigae will move through an environment capable of supporting a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Surigae will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures will be near 29°C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation. However, the winds at lower levels in the atmosphere will also blow from the south and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Surigae will likely weaken gradually as the eyewall replacement cycle is completed.

Typhoon Surigae will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 48 hours. The high will steer Surigae toward the north-northwest during the next 48 hours. After that time Typhoon Surigae will approach the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Those winds will turn Surigae toward the northeast. On its anticipated track, the core Typhoon Surigae with the strongest winds will remain east of Luzon.

Typhoon Vamco Makes Landfall Northeast of Manila

Typhoon Vamco made landfall on Luzon northeast of Manila on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 15.0°N and longitude 120.6°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) northeast of Manila, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Typhoon Vamco was strengthening when it made landfall on Luzon. Vamco was nearly the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall. The circulation around Typhoon Vamco also increased in size prior to landfall. Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the northern side of Vamco. Winds to force extended out 40 miles (65 km) on the southern side of the typhoon. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 350 miles in the northern half of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles in the southern half of Vamco. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Vamco was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 28.4 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.6. Typhoon Vamco was capable of causing widespread serious damage to Luzon.

The center of Typhoon Vamco passed over the Polillo Islands before it reached Luzon. The center of Vamco will pass just north Manila, but it will be close enough to cause strong winds. The center will pass near San Fernando and Olongapo before it moves over the South China Sea. Typhoon Vamco will drop very heavy rain over Luzon and significant floods could occur. There will also be widespread power outages.

Typhoon Vamco will weaken as it passes over Luzon, but Vamco could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. A high pressure system over eastern Asia will steer Typhoon Vamco toward the west. On its anticipated track Vamco could approach Vietnam in two or three days.

Vamco Rapidly Intensifies to Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Vamco rapidly intensified into a typhoon east of Luzon on Tuesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 14.9°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 230 miles (375 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 973 mb.

Typhoon Vamco intensified rapidly on Tuesday. A circular eye was visible on satellite images. 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 Typhoon Vamco. Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Vamco. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Vamco will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Vamco 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 weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Vamco will continue to intensify rapidly and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Vamco will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Vamco toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Vamco will make landfall on the east coast of Luzon in about 12 hours. The center of Vamco will pass north of Manila and the core of Typhoon Vamco could come close to San Francisco.

Typhoon Vamco will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Luzon. Vamco will be capable of causing major damage. The heavy rain will cause flash floods in part of Luzon. Typhoon Vamco could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) on the east coast of Luzon. Vamco will weaken when the center passes over Luzon, but it is likely to still be a typhoon when it passes north of Manila. Typhoon Vamco is also likely to cause widespread power outages on Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Etau was dropping heavy rain over Cambodia. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Etau was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 105.5°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Etau was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.