Tag Archives: Philippines

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 Nesat Develops near Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Nesat developed over the Western North Pacific Ocean near northern Luzon on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 123.5°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) east of Claveria, Philippines. Nesat was moving toward the west at 25 m.p.h. (40 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.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean near northern Luzon strengthened on Saturday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Nesat. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Nesat was asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Nesat’s circulation. Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Nesat 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 tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the northern side of Nesat’s circulation. The winds in the southern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Nesat will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 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 over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Storm Nesat is likely to strengthen during the next 36 hours. Nesat could intensify to a typhoon by the end of the weekend.

Tropical Storm Nesat will move around the southern side of a surface high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nesat toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nesat will pass near northern Luzon during the next 24 hours. Nesat will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Nesat will move over the South China Sea on Sunday.

Typhoon Noru Hits Luzon

Typhoon Noru hit Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

Small, but powerful Typhoon Noru hit the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila on Sunday morning. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 72 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Noru will move across central Luzon. The center of Noru could pass just north of Manila in a few hours. Typhoon Noru will bring strong, gusty winds to central Luzon. Severe damage could occur near the small core of Noru’s circulation. Widespread electrical outages are likely. Heavy rain will also fall over near the core of Typhoon Noru. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Since the circulation around Typhoon Noru is small, it is likely to weaken quickly while it passes over Luzon. There is a chance that Noru could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. Noru will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea. Noru 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 over eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.

Typhoon Noru could approach the coast of Vietnam in less than 72 hours. Noru could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of Vietnam.

Typhoon Noru Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane East of Luzon

Typhoon Noru very rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 124.1°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 920 mb.

Typhoon Noru intensified very rapidly from a tropical storm to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in 24 hours. A small, pinhole eye with a diameter of 7 miles (11 km) formed at the center of Noru’s circulation. 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 Noru. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon. The removal of so much mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 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 Noru could intensify to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will make landfall on the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila. Typhoon Noru be the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall. Noru will produce severe wind damage. Heavy rain could cause flash floods. Typhoon Noru could produce a storm surge up to 15 feet (5 meters) along the east coast of Luzon. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Tropical Storm Talas Nears Japan

Tropical Storm Talas moved near Japan on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Talas was located at latitude 31.4°N and longitude 135.1°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) southwest of Tokyo, Japan. Talas was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a small low pressure system just south of Honshu strengthened on Thursday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Talas. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Talas was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Talas’ circulation. Bands in the rest of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Talas. The winds in the western side of Talas were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Talas will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Talas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over eastern Asia. The upper level trough will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Talas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will be strong enough to prevent significant intensification.

The upper level trough over eastern Asia will steer Tropical Storm Talas quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Talas will be near Tokyo in 18 hours. Talas will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Honshu. The small size of Talas’ circulation will limit the impact of the storm.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm 18W developed east of Luzon. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm 18W was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 132.1°E which put it about 640 miles (1030 km) east of Luzon. Tropical Storm 18W was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 18W is forecast to move toward northern Luzon and to strengthen to a typhoon.

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 Ma-on Develops near Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Ma-on developed near northern Luzon on Sunday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Ma-on was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 123.4°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Tuguegarao, Philippines. Ma-on was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

Former Tropical Depression 10W strengthened to Tropical Storm Ma-on just to the east of northern Luzon on Sunday night. The distribution of thunderstorms in Ma-on continued to be asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were in bands in the southern half of Ma-on’s circulation. The bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. A strong upper level ridge over China was producing strong northerly 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 favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Ma-on will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 30˚C. The upper level ridge over China will continue to produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Ma-on’s circulation. However, Tropical Storm Ma-on could strengthen during the next 12 hours. Ma-on will weaken when the center passes over northern Luzon, but it could strengthen again over the South China Sea later this week.

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 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Ma-on will hit northern Luzon in 12 hours. Ma-on will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Tokage formed southeast of Japan. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Tokage was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 151.6°E which put it about 1010 miles (1635 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Tokage was moving toward the north 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 998 mb.

Tropical Depression Forms East of Luzon

A tropical depression formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 127.3°E which put it about 350 miles (565 km) east of Luzon. The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1000 mb.

A distinct low level center of circulation formed in an area of lower pressure east of Luzon on Sunday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency classified the system as a tropical depression. The distribution of thunderstorms in the tropical depression was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were in bands in the western half of the tropical depression. The bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. A strong upper level ridge over China was producing strong northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of the tropical depression. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

The tropical depression will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 30˚C. The upper level ridge over China will continue to produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression. However, the upper level winds are forecast to weaken. The vertical wind shear could decrease during the next 24 hours. The tropical depression is forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm.

The tropical depression will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the tropical depression could approach northeastern Luzon in 24 hours. It is likely to be a tropical storm when it approaches Luzon. The weather system will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Malakas Intensifies Southwest of Iwo To

Typhoon Malakas intensified southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 135.2°E which put it about 740 miles (1195 km) southwest of Two To. Malakas was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Typhoon Malakas intensified more quickly over the Western North Pacific Ocean southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday morning. A circular eye developed at the center of Malakas’ circulation. 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 Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚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 that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. The winds at lower levels in the atmosphere will also blow from the south and there will not be much vertical wind shear. Typhoon Malakas will intensify during the next 24 hours. Malakas could undergo a period of rapid intensification since an inner core with an eye and an eyewall has developed. Typhoon Malakas could strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the north during that time period. Typhoon Malakas will move toward the northeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track Malakas could approach Iwo To in 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Megi weakened just east of the Philippines. There were reports of mudslides and casualties caused by heavy rain dropped by Megi. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Megi was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 126.0°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the east at 5 m.p.h (8 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 1004 mb.

Malakas Intensifies to a Typhoon North of Yap

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon north of Yap on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 14.5°N and longitude 135.6°E which put it about 365 miles (585 km) north-northwest of Yap. Malakas was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon on Monday over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Malakas. An eyewall appeared to be forming, but the rainband had not yet wrapped completely around the northern side of the center of circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚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 that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Typhoon Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could intensify more rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall develops. Typhoon Malakas could strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the north during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move toward the northeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Typhoon Malakas could approach Iwo To in three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Megi dropped heavy rain over the central Philippines. There were reports of mudslides and casualties caused by the heavy rain. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south-southeast of Placer, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h (8 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 1004 mb.