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Typhoon Krathon Stalls Southwest of Taiwan

Typhoon Krathon stalled just to the southwest of Taiwan on Tuesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Krathon was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 119.4°E which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Krathon was moving toward the east at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Typhoon Krathon stalled just southwest of Taiwan on Tuesday.  As Krathon’s circulation remained nearly stationary, strong winds mixed cooler water to the surface of the ocean.  The cooler water reduced the energy available to be transferred to the atmosphere and Typhoon Krathon gradually weakened.

Even though Typhoon Krathon weakened on Tuesday, Krathon was still the equivalent of a major hurricane.  A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Typhoon Krathon.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Krathon’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Krathon generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Krathon was very symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Krathon’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Typhoon Krathon.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Krathon was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.2.  Typhoon Krathon was similar in intensity to Hurricane Rita when Rita hit Louisiana in 2005.  Krathon was not quite as big as Rita was.

Typhoon Krathon will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Krathon will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will be under the axis of an upper level ridge over eastern China.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, as long as the core of Typhoon Krathon remains over the cooler water it is mixing to the surface of the ocean, Krathon will continue to gradually weaken.

Typhoon Krathon will be in an area where the steering currents are weak during the next few hours.  An upper level trough over southern China will start to steer Krathon toward the slowly northeast on Wednesday.  The center of Krathon could make landfall on the coast of Taiwan northwest Kaohsiung in 24 hours.

Bands in the northeastern part of Typhoon Krathon are already dropping heavy rain on parts Taiwan.  Krathon will bring strong winds and heavier rain to the southwestern part of Taiwan when it moves closer to the coast.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods.  Typhoon Krathon could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) on the coast of southwestern Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Jebi sped rapidly northeast of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Jebi was located at latitude 43.1°N and longitude 150.5°E which put the center about 300 miles (485 km) east of Kushiro, Japan.  Jebi was moving toward the northeast at 41 m.p.h. (67 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 976 mb.

Typhoon Krathon Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane

Typhoon Krathon intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Monday as it passed just south of Taiwan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Krathon was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 119.9°E which put the center about 135 miles (220 km) south-southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Krathon was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 927 mb.

Typhoon Krathon continued to intensify Monday.  It is now the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) is present at the center of Krathon’s circulation.  The eye is surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds are occurring in that ring of storms.  Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms are revolving around the core of Typhoon Krathon.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Krathon is symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extend out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Krathon’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Typhoon Krathon.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Krathon is 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 24.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 55.7.  Typhoon Krathon is similar in intensity to Hurricane Laura when Jeanne hit Louisiana in 2020.  Krathon is bigger than Laura was.

Typhoon Krathon will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Krathon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge south of Japan.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Even though Typhoon Krathon will be in an environment favorable for intensification, Krathon may not intensify.  Images from the Taiwan Central Weather Agency’s radar indicate that concentric eyewalls may be forming at the center of Krathon’s circulation.  If concentric eyewalls do form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Typhoon Krathon to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Krathon will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Krathon slowly toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Krathon will move southwest of Taiwan.  An upper level trough over southern China will start to steer Krathon toward the northeast on Wednesday.  The center of Krathon could make landfall on Taiwan near Kaohsiung.

Typhoon Krathon will be a large, powerful storm when it hits Taiwan.  Krathon will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Krathon could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) on the coast of southwestern Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Jebi strengthened south of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Jebi was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 141.3°E which put the center about 320 miles (520 km) south-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Jebi was moving toward the north at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 986 mb.

Typhoon Krathon Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Krathon rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Krathon was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 122.0°E which put the center about 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  Krathon was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

Typhoon Krathon rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean south of Taiwan on Sunday.  A large circular eye with a diameter of 50 miles (80 km) was at the center of Krathon’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Krathon.  Storms near the core of Krathon’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped large quatities of mass mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Krathon increased as it intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Krathon’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 265 miles (425 km) from the center of Typhoon Krathon.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Krathon was 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.2.  Typhoon Krathon was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Jeanne when Jeanne hit southeast Florida in 2004.

Typhoon Krathon will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Krathon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge south of Japan. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear, Typhoon Krathon will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Krathon could continue to intensify rapidly during the next few hours.  Typhoon Krathon is likely strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Krathon will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Krathon toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Krathon will move closer to Taiwan.  The center Krathon’s circulation will approach the southern end of Taiwan in 36 hours. Typhoon Krathon is will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Taiwan.  Bands in the northern side of Krathon’s circulation will begin to bring wind and rain to Taiwan on Monday.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, the center of Tropical Storm Jebi passed just to the west of Iwo To.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Jebi was located at latitude 25.8°N and longitude 140.7°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of Iwo To.  Jebi was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 993 mb.

Tropical Storm Krathon Forms Southeast of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Krathon formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Krathon was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 125.1°E which put the center about 480 miles (775 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Krathon was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 995 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Krathon.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Krathon was organizing quickly on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern and northern sides of the center of Krathon’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Krathon.  Storms near the center of Krathon’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mas away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Krathon was increasing size as Krathon strengthened.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Krathon’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Krathon will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Krathon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge south of Japan.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear,  Tropical Storm Krathon will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Krathon could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Krathon will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Krathon toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Krathon will move closer to Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Jebi was moving closer to Iwo To.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Jebi was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 142.3°E which put the center about 275 miles (445 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Jebi was moving toward the north-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 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Jebi Forms West of the Northern Marianas

Tropical Storm Jebi formed west of the Northern Marianas on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jebi was located at latitude 18.7°N and longitude 144.6°E which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) west-northwest of Agrihan. Jebi was moving toward the north-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A low pressure system west of the Northern Marianas strengthened on Friday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Jebi.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Jebi was poorly organized.  Thunderstorms were occurring in the southeastern quadrant of Jebi’s circulation.  There were no thunderstorms near the center of Tropical Storm Jebi.  Bands in the other parts of Jebi’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Jebi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jebi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge south of Japan.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Jebi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jebi could intensify a little during the next 24 hours, if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Jebi will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jebi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jebi will move slowly away from the Northern Marianas.  Jebi could approach Iwo To in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 20W formed south-southeast of Taiwan.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression 20W was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 125.8°E which put the center about 430 miles (690 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  The tropical depression was moving toward the southwest 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 1001 mb.

Sean Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm weakened to a tropical depression east of the Leeward Islands on Saturday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Sean was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 44.2°W which put it about 1255 miles (2020 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Sean 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 1007 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Sean weakened slowly during the past 36 hours and the U.S. National Hurricane Center downgraded Sean to a tropical depression on Saturday morning. A few more thunderstorms developed near the center of Sean’s circulation after it was downgraded to a tropical depression. There were also a few more thunderstorms in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Sea. However, some bands still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Depression Sean will move through an environment mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Sean will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Sean’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. Tropical Depression Sean will move into an area where there is drier air. The vertical wind shear and the drier air are likely to cause Tropical Depression Sean to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Sean will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends from West Africa to the central Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Sean toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Sean will remain far east of the Northern Leeward Islands.

Typhoon Noru Makes Landfall in Central Vietnam

Typhoon Noru made landfall on the coast of central Vietnam near Da Nang on Tuesday evening. At 7:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 108.1°E which put it about 5 miles (10 km) north of Da Nang, Vietnam. Noru was moving toward the west 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 959 mb.

The core of Typhoon Noru made landfall near Da Nang, Vietnam on Tuesday evening. The distribution of thunderstorms around Noru became asymmetrical as it approached the coast of Vietnam. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in the western half of Noru’s circulation. Typhoon Noru was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.1. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Noru will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 36 hours. Typhoon Noru will weaken as it moves farther inland. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will move across central Vietnam during the next 12 hours. Noru will move over southern Laos and eastern Thailand. The strongest winds will occur in the area around Da Nang and Hue. Typhoon Noru will drop locally heavy rain over central Vietnam, southern Laos and eastern Thailand. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kulap strengthened gradually southeast of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 145.2°E which put it about 395 miles (640 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Kulap was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Typhoon Noru Moves Toward Vietnam

Typhoon Noru moved over the South China Sea toward Vietnam on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 113.3E which put it about 380 miles (615 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Noru was moving toward the west at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 964 mb.

Typhoon Noru strengthened on Monday afternoon as it moved toward central Vietnam. A small circular eye was present 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 upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru increased in size on Monday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Noru’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Norw was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.7. Typhoon Nora was capable of causing regional serious damage.

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

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will hit the coast of Vietnam near Da Nang in 24 hours. Typhoon Noru will be capable of causing major damage when it hits central Vietnam. Noru will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to central Vietnam. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kulap passed near Iwo To. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 27.4°N and longitude 141.8°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) north-northeast of Iwo To. Kulap was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 Chanthu Brings Gusty Winds and Rain to Japan

Tropical Storm Chanthu brought gusty winds and rain to parts of Japan on Friday. At 6:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Chanthu was located at latitude 33.7°N and longitude 130.6°E which put it about 10 miles (15 km) east of Fukuoka, Japan. Chanthu was moving toward the east-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Chanthu brought gusty winds to northern Kyushu and western Honshu on Friday. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Chanthu. The strongest winds were occurring in the parts of Chanthu’s circulation that were over water and in the mountains of western Japan. The heaviest rain was falling on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Chanthu.

Tropical Storm Chanthu will be steered quickly toward the east-northeast by the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Tropical Storm Chanthu will move across Honshu during the next two days. The center of Tropical Storm Chanthu could be near Kyoto in 24 hours and near Tokyo in 36 hours. The upper level westerly winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear and movement across land will cause Chanthu to weaken gradually during the next 48 hours.

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.