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Typhoon Chaba Hits Southern China

Typhoon Chaba hit southern China on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Chaba was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 111.0°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Wuchuan, China. Chaba was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

The center of Typhoon Chaba made landfall on the south coast of China near Wuchuan and Dianbai in Guangdong on Saturday morning. Typhoon Chaba was strengthening when it made landfall. A small circular eye was as the center of Chaba’s circulation. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Chaba. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Chaba toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Chaba will move inland over southern China. Chaba will weaken gradually as it moves inland. Typhoon Chaba will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. There were reports a ship broke in two in heavy seas in the South China Sea.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the center Ryukyu Islands. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) east-southeast of Okinawa. Aere was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Chaba Strengthens to a Typhoon Northeast of Hainan

Former Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened to a typhoon northeast of Hainan Island on Friday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Chaba was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 111.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Wuchuan, China. Chaba was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Chaba strengthened to a typhoon over the warm water in the northern South China Sea on Friday afternoon. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Chaba’s circulation and the strongest winds were occurring in a ring around the center. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Chaba. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Chaba. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Chaba will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Chaba will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the northern part of the South China Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Chaba could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Chaba will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Chaba toward the northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Chaba could make landfall on the coast of southern China near Wuchuan in 12 hours. Chaba will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Aere intensified gradually southeast of Okinawa. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Aere was located at latitude 23.6°N and longitude 130.4°E which put it about 305 miles (495 km) southeast of Okinawa. Aere was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb. Tropical Storm Aere is forecast to move toward the north-northwest and to continue to strengthen gradually. Aere could be near Okinawa in 18 hours.

Tropical Storm Chaba Strengthens South of Hong Kong

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

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

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

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

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

Tropical Storm Chaba Forms over South China Sea

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

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

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

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

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

Tropical Storm Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Hainan

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to Hainan on Wednesday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 110.0°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Haikou, China. Kompasu was moving toward the west at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain as it moved over Hainan on Wednesday. The strongest thunderstorms were in bands on the western side of Kompasu’s circulation. Bands on the eastern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge was producing strong easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Kompasu’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The flow around the northern side of Tropical Storm Kompasu was pulling drier air from Asia into the circulation. The combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air was causing the stronger thunderstorms to be on the western side of Kompasu.

Tropical Storm Kompasu will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Kompasu quickly toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Kompasu will move quickly across the Gulf of Tonkin. Tropical Storm Kompasu will reach the coast of northern Vietnam in 18 hours. Gusty winds and rain will reach the coast before the center arrives because the stronger thunderstorms are on the western side of Kompasu. Vertical wind shear and drier air will prevent intensification of Tropical Storm Kompasu. Kompasu will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Vietnam and Laos. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Kompasu Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kompasu brought wind and rain to northern Luzon on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 120.9°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Claveria, Philippines. Kompasu was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

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

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

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

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Namtheun intensified east of the northern Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Namtheun was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 154.0°E which put it about 555 miles (895 km) east of Agrihan. Namtheun was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Lionrock Drops Heavy Rain on Hainan

Tropical Storm Lionrock dropped heavy rain on Hainan on Friday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Lionrock was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 110.2°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south of Haikou, China. Lionrock was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Lionrock brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Hainan on Friday. The center of Lionrock was over Hainan. Bands of showers and thunderstorms on the northern and western sides of Tropical Storm Lionrock were dropping heavy rain over much of Hainan. Bands on the southern and eastern sides of Lionrock consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Lionrock was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Lionrock is likely to weaken during the next 12 hours while the center of circulation moves over Hainan. Lionrock will move into an environment favorable for intensification when the center moves over the Gulf of Tonkin. Lionrock will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the western side of a small upper level ridge. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Lionrock’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Lionrock is likely to intensify slowly after the center of circulation moves over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Tropical Storm Lionrock will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 12 hours. The subtropical high will steer Lionrock toward the northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Lionrock will move across Hainan and it will emerge over the Gulf of Tonkin on Saturday. Lionrock will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hainan during the next 12 hours. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Lionrock will move south of a second high pressure system that is centered over China during the weekend. The second high pressure system will steer Lionrock toward the west. Tropical Storm Lionrock could approach the coast of northern Vietnam in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a former tropical depression east of the Philippines strengthened to Tropical Storm Kompasu. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Kompasu was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 131.5°E which put it about 570 miles (920 km) east of Daet, Philippines. Kompasu was stationary. 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.

Tropical Storm Lionrock Forms Southeast of Hainan

Tropical Storm Lionrock formed over the South China Sea southeast of Hainan on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Lionrock was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 111.0°E which put it about 95 miles (150 km) southeast of Lingshui, China. Lionrock was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South China Sea strengthened on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Lionrock. There was a broad center of circulation in the middle of Tropical Storm Lionrock. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands northeast and southwest of the broad center. Storms in the bands generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) on the eastern side of Lionrock. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) on the western side of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Lionrock will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lionrock will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the eastern side of a small upper level ridge. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lionrock’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Lionrock is likely to intensify slowly during the next 24 hours because of the broad center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Lionrock will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next 24 hours. The subtropical high will steer Lionrock toward the north-northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Lionrock will reach Hainan in 24 hours. Lionrock will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hainan. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a tropical depression formed east of the Philippines. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 129.7°E which put it about 400 miles (645 km) east of Legazpi, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the east-northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Chanthu Spins between Japan and China

Tropical Storm Chanthu spun between Japan and China on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Chanthu was located at latitude 30.5°N and longitude 125.2°E which put it about 360 miles (585 km) west-southwest of Kagoshima, Japan. Chanthu was moving toward the northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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.

Tropical Storm Chanthu remained nearly stationary on Wednesday as it spun over the East China Sea between Japan and China. The atmospheric environment around Chanthu became more favorable for intensification when an upper level ridge moved over the tropical storm. Chanthu strengthened when the upper level ridge enhanced the upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm. The enhanced upper level divergence also contributed to the formation of more thunderstorms in the bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Chanthu. A rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Chanthu and a new eye appeared to be forming at the center of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) on the northern side of Chanthu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Chanthu will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chanthu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27˚C. Chanthu could mix cooler water to the surface while it remains nearly stationary, which could inhibit intensification. The upper level ridge will continue to enhance divergence, which will be favorable for intensification. Tropical Storm Chanthu is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours and it could strengthen back to a typhoon.

The steering winds are weak in the middle of the upper level ridge and Tropical Storm Chanthu may not move much during the next 12 to 18 hours. An upper level trough over eastern Asia will move eastward on Thursday. The upper level trough will start to steer Chanthu toward the west in 12 to 18 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Chanthu could approach Kyushu in 30 hours. Chanthu could be a typhoon when it reaches Kyushu. It will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Chanthu Weakens to a Tropical Storm East of Shanghai

Former Typhoon Chanthu weakened to a tropical storm east of Shanghai on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Chanthu was located at latitude 31.3°N and longitude 123.9°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) east of Shanghai, China. Chanthu was moving toward the northeast 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 988 mb.

Former Typhoon Chanthu weakened to a tropical storm east of Shanghai. An upper level trough over eastern China was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Chanthu. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. In addition, the circulation around Chanthu was pulling drier air from Asia into the tropical storm. The drier air was mixing with the rainbands. The eye and eyewall at the center of former Typhoon Chanthu weakened. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northeastern periphery of Tropical Storm Chanthu. Bands in other parts of Chanthu consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (300 km) from the center of Chanthu.

Tropical Storm Chanthu will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 24 hours. Chanthu will not move very much during that time period. Since Tropical Storm Chanthu will not move very far, its circulation will mix cooler water to the surface. A combination of moderate vertical wind shear, drier air and cooler water will cause Tropical Storm Chanthu to weaken gradually. Southwesterly winds in the middle latitudes will start to steer Chanthu toward the northeast in a day or so.