Tag Archives: Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon In-Fa Moves Toward Southwestern Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon In-Fa moved toward the southwestern Ryukyu Islands on Wednesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon In-Fa was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 126.5°E which put it about 155 miles (250 km) east-southeast of Ishigaki, Japan. In-Fa was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 951 mb.

Typhoon In-Fa moved closer to the southwestern Ryukyu Islands on Wednesday. In-Fa was a large, powerful typhoon. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Typhoon In-Fa. The eye was nearly surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. There was a break in the eastern side of the ring around the eye. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon In-Fa. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon In-Fa was large. Winds to typhoon force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of In-Fa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon In-Fa was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.3.

Typhoon In-Fa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. In-Fa 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 In-Fa is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon In-Fa will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high will steer In-Fa toward the west. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon In-Fa will be near the southwestern Ryukyu Islands in 36 hours. In-Fa will be capable of causing widespread major damage. It will also cause a significant storm surge. Typhoon In-Fa will drop heavy rain and flash floods are likely. The core of In-Fa could be northeast of Taiwan in 60 hours. In-Fa will also drop heavy rain on parts of Taiwan and flash floods are likely there as well.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Cempaka was moving over southern China. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Cempaka was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 110.3°E which put it about 5 miles (10 km) east of Yulin, China. Cempaka was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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.

Typhoon Cempaka Makes Landfall in Southern China

Typhoon Cempaka made landfall in southern China on Tuesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Cempaka was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 111.9°E which put it about 10 miles (15 km) south of Yangjiang, China. Cempaka was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 972 mb.

Typhoon Cempaka made landfall on the coast of southern China just to the south of Yangjiang in the province of Guangdong on Tuesday. Cempaka brought strong winds and locally heavy rain to the southwestern part of Guangdong. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Cempaka at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Cempaka will weaken rapidly as the center moves inland. However, since Cempaka will move slowly, it could drop heavy rain over the southwestern part of Guangdong province. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm In-Fa intensified to a typhoon south-southeast of Okinawa. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon In-Fa was located at latitude 24.5°N and longitude 128.7°E which put it about 150 miles (245 km) south-southeast of Okinawa. In-Fa was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 968 mb. Typhoon In-Fa is forecast to move toward the west during the next several days and to intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane. The center of In-Fa will pass south of Okinawa during the next 24 hours. It could be over the southwestern Ryukyu Islands in 48 hours and near northern Taiwan in three days.

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 In-Fa Forms Southeast of Okinawa

Tropical Storm In-Fa formed southeast of Okinawa on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm In-Fa was located at latitude 22.4°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 420 miles (675 km) southeast of Okinawa. In-Fa was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 circulation around a low pressure system southeast of Okinawa exhibited more organization on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm In-Fa. The distribution of thunderstorms around In-Fa was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Tropical Storm In-Fa. Bands on the western side of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level low centered west of Japan was producing westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of In-Fa. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were also contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm In-Fa will move into an environment that is forecast to become more favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. In-Fa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C during the next two days. The upper level low west of Japan is forecast to move toward the north. When the upper low moves north, the upper level winds around In-Fa will weaken and the vertical wind shear will decrease. Tropical Storm In-Fa is likely to strengthen during the next 48 hours. When the upper level winds weaken, In-Fa could intensify more quickly. Tropical Storm In-Fa could strengthen to a typhoon within 72 hours.

Tropical Storm In-Fa will move south of a surface high pressure system centered southeast of Japan on Sunday. The high will steer In-Fa toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. A second surface high pressure system over eastern Asia is forecast to move north of Tropical Storm In-Fa on Monday. The second high pressure system will steer In-Fa more toward the west early next week. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm In-Fa could approach Okinawa in 60 hours. In-Fa could bring wind and rain to the southwestern Ryukyu Islands. In-Fa could eventually affect Taiwan and eastern China later next week.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan Moves Toward Taiwan

Tropical Storm Choi-wan moved toward Taiwan on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 118.9°E which put it about 185 miles (300 km) south-southwest of Taiwan. Choi-wan was moving toward the north-northeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan turned toward the north-northeast on Thursday which put it on a track towards southern Taiwan. The distribution of thunderstorms around Choi-wan was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Choi-wan. Bands in the other quadrants of Choi-wan consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Choi-wan was also asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) on the western side of Choi-wan. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 65 miles (105 km) on the eastern side of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move through an area that is mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. The center of Choi-wan will move over an area where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. However, an upper level ridge centered over southern China will produce moderate northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they are already responsible for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. The moderate vertical wind shear will likely prevent intensification of Tropical Storm Choi-wan.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan will move around the northwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Choi-wan toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan will reach southern Taiwan in 12 hours. Choi-wan could drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern Taiwan. Flash floods could occur in some locations. Tropical Storm Choi-wan could approach the southern Ryuku Islands in 24 hours. Choi-wan could bring a period of gusty winds to southern Taiwan and the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom Forms Southwest of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Chan-hom formed southwest of Iwo To on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 22.8°N and longitude 139.0°E which put it about 215 miles (345 km) southwest of Iwo To.  Chan-hom was moving toward the west-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of a low pressure system southwest of Iwo To on Sunday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Chan-hom.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Chan-hom was still organizing.  Thunderstorms were forming near the center of circulation, but the distribution of storms was asymmetrical.  The strongest thunderstorms were developing in bands in the southern half of the tropical storm.  Bands in the northern half of Chan-hom consisted mainly of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (165 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Chan-hom.  Winds in the other parts of Chan-hom were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days.  Chan-hom will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It will move around the southern side of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Chan-hom.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The shear will inhibit intensification but it will not be strong enough to prevent Chan-hom from intensifying.   Tropical Storm Chan-hom could strengthen into a typhoon within 72 hours.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Chan-hom toward the northwest during the next two to three days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Chan-hom could approach the northern Ryukyu Islands and southwestern Japan by the end of the week.

Typhoon Haishen Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Haishen brought wind and rain to the northern Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Haishen was located at latitude 28.3°N and longitude 130.4°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-northeast of Okinawa.  Haishen was moving toward the north-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 945 mb.

The center of Typhoon Haishen passed west of Minami-Daito Jima on Saturday.  A weather station there measured a wind speed of 72 m.p.h. (116 km/h) and a pressure of 943.6 mb.

The circulation around around Typhoon Haishen developed concentric eyewalls on Saturday.  The smaller original eyewall started to weaken as low level convergence became more concentrated into the much larger outer eyewall.  The strongest winds were originally found in the inner eyewall, but those wind speeds decreased.  The stronger winds were blowing in the larger outer eyewall on Saturday night.

The concentric eyewall structure produced an increase in the size of the circulation around Typhoon Haishen.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 325 miles (530 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haishen was 19.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 37.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.4.  Typhoon Haishen was capable of causing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Haishen will move into a less favorable environment during the next 24 hours.  Haishen will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  Drier air over Asia will get pulled into the circulation.  Wind shear will increase when Typhoon Haishen moves farther north because it will get closer to the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  The effects of the concentric eyewalls, drier air and more wind shear will cause Typhoon Haishen to gradually weaken.

Typhoon Haishen will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Haishen toward the north.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Haishen will pass near the western part of Kyushu in about 12 hours.  Haishen will reach South Korea in about 24 hours.  Typhoon Haishen will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Kyushu and South Korea.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in places that received heavy rain from Typhoon Maysak a few days ago.

Typhoon Haishen Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Haishen intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Haishen was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 135.4°E which put it about 405 miles (650 km) southeast of Minamidaitojima, Japan.  Haishen was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

Typhoon Haishen intensified rapidly on Thursday.  A circular eye became more visible on conventional 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 Haishen.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Haishen increased in size on Thursday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 215 miles (315 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 29.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 53.4.  Typhoon Haishen was capable of causing widespread significant damage.

Typhoon Haishen will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Haishen 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 Haishen could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Haishen will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Typhoon Haishen toward the northwest during the next 36 hours.  Haishen will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Haishen could reach Minamidaitojima in about 36 hours.  Haishen could approach the northern Ryukyu Islands in about 48 hours.  Typhoon Haishen could hit South Korea in a little over three days.

Typhoon Maysak Brings Wind and Rain to South Korea

Typhoon Maysak brought wind and rain to South Korea on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 36.9°N and longitude 128.9°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Busan, South Korea.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northeast at 30 m.p.h. (50 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 950 mb.

The center of Typhoon Maysak made landfall on the south coast of South Korea west of Busan on Wednesday.  The large circulation around Maysak brought gusty winds and heavy rain to much of the Korean Peninsula.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The heavy rain was falling on ground that was saturated by previous tropical cyclones and other weather systems.  The rain will likely cause widespread flash flooding.

Typhoon Maysak was being steered quickly toward the north by an upper level trough over eastern Asia.  On its anticipated track the center of Maysak will move along the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.  Typhoon Maysak will weaken and it will made a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Haishen strengthened south of Iwo To.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Haishen was located at latitude 20.3°N and longitude 138.8°E which put it about 350 miles (560 km) south-southwest of Iwo To.  Haishen was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 979 mb.

Typhoon Haishen will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Haishen 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 Haishen will continue to intensify and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Haishen will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Haishen toward the northwest during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Haishen could approach the northern Ryukyu Islands in about 72 hours.  Haishen could eventually bring wind and rain to the same areas in Kyushu and South Korea affected by Typhoon Maysak.