Tag Archives: Luzon

Potentially Catastrophic Typhoon Goni Nears Luzon

Potentially catastrophic Typhoon Goni neared Luzon on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Goni was located at latitude 14.6°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 300 miles (485 km) east-northeast of Labo, Philippines. Goni was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 180 m.p.h. (290 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 220 m.p.h. (355 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 898 mb.

Typhoon Goni exhibited a double eyewall structure sometimes seen in very intense tropical cyclones. There was a small inner eye with a diameter of 6 miles (10 km). That eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that inner eyewall. A second, outer eyewall with a diameter of 35 miles (56 km) surrounded the inner core of Typhoon Goni. Storms near the core of Gone generated strong upper level divergence which pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon. The removal of so much mass allowed the surface pressure to remain very low. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Goni increased in size when the double eyewalls formed. Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Goni. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Goni was 42.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 55.8. Typhoon Goni was capable of causing catastrophic damage.

Typhoon Goni will move through an environment favorable for a strong typhoon during the next 12 hours. Goni 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. An eyewall replacement cycle could cause Typhoon Goni to start to weaken. If the original inner eyewall dissipates and convergence becomes concentrated into the new outer eyewall, then the wind speed will decrease. However, Goni is likely to maintain much of its intensity until it reaches Luzon.

Typhoon Goni will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Goni toward the west. On its anticipated track Typhoon Goni will be near Cataduanes Island in 12 48 hours. Goni could be near Manila in 24 hours. Typhoon Goni is capable of causing catastrophic damage to Luzon. Goni could generate a storm surge of up to 20 feet (6 meters) along the coast of southeastern Luzon. Typhoon Goni will drop heavy rain over parts of Luzon and flash floods are likely.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Atsani moved north of Yap. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Atsani was located at latitude 14.6°N and longitude 138.2°E which put it about 1060 miles (1705 km) east of Luzon. Astani was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb. Tropical Storm Atsani was forecast to move toward the northwest and to strengthen.

Typhoon Goni Rapidly Intensifies Into Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Goni intensified rapidly into the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of the Philippines on Thursday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Goni was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 131.2°E which put it about 620 miles (1000 km) east of Luzon. Goni was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 205 m.p.h. (330 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 912 mb. Typhoon Goni is capable of causing catastrophic damage.

Typhoon Goni continued to intensify rapidly on Thursday night. A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was at the center of Goni. 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 tight core of Typhoon Goni. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease quickly which contributed to the rapid increase in wind speed.

Typhoon Goni will move through an environment favorable for a strong typhoon during the next 36 to 48 hours. Goni 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. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could occur. The cycle would cause Goni to weaken when the original inner eyewall dissipates and convergence becomes concentrated into a new outer eyewall. An eyewall replacement cycle would also cause the size of the circulation around Goni to Increase.

Typhoon Goni will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Goni toward the west. On its anticipated track Typhoon Goni will approach the coast of Luzon in about 48 hours. Goni is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Atsani moved south of the Marianas. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Atsani was located at latitude 11.6°N and longitude 142.6°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) south-southwest of Guam. Astani was moving toward the west-northwest at 30 m.p.h. (48 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 1001 mb. Tropical Storm Atsani was forecast to move toward the northwest and to strengthen.

Typhoon Goni Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Goni intensified rapidly into the equivalent of a major hurricane east of the Philippines on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Goni was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 132.2°E which put it about 690 miles (1115 km) east of Luzon. Goni was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.

Typhoon Goni intensified rapidly on Thursday. A small circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Goni. 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 Goni. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease quickly which contributed to the rapid increase in wind speed.

The circulation around Typhoon Goni was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Goni. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Goni was 29.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 36.2.

Typhoon Goni will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Goni 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. Goni could intensify more during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Goni to weaken.

Typhoon Goni will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Goni toward the west. On its anticipated track Typhoon Goni will approach the coast of Luzon in about 48 hours. Goni is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Atsani moved south-southeast of the Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Atsani was located at latitude 10.7°N and longitude 145.3°E which put it about 245 miles (400 km) south-southeast of Guam. Astani was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 1001 mb. Tropical Storm Atsani was forecast to move toward the northwest and to strengthen.

Goni Rapidly Intensifies to a Typhoon, Atsani Forms

Former Tropical Storm Goni intensified rapidly into a typhoon east of the Philippines on Thursday and Tropical Storm Atsani formed south-southeast of the Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Goni was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 134.1°E which put it about 820 miles (1320 km) east of Luzon. Goni was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Typhoon Goni intensified rapidly on Thursday. A small circular eye was at the center of Goni. 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 Goni. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the typhoon. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease quickly which contributed to the rapid increase in wind speed. The circulation around Typhoon Goni was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Goni. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Goni will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Goni 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. Goni could intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Goni will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Goni toward the west. On its anticipated track Typhoon Goni will approach the coast of Luzon in about 72 hours. Goni is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Atsani formed south-southeast of the Marianas. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Atsani was located at latitude 8.7°N and longitude 148.0°E which put it about 450 miles (720 km) south-southeast of Guam. Astani was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 1001 mb. Tropical Storm Atsani was forecast to move toward the northwest and to strengthen.

Tropical Storm Goni Develops Rapidly East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Goni developed rapidly east of the Philippines on Wednesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Goni was located at latitude 16.5°N and longitude 136.1°E which put it about 960 miles (1505 km) east of Luzon. Goni was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 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.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Goni developed rapidly. A small circular eye formed at the center of Goni. 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 Tropical Storm Goni. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Goni was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Goni will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Goni 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. Goni will strengthen to a typhoon during the next 12 hours and it could intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next several days.

Tropical Storm Goni will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Goni toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Goni will approach the coast of Luzon in about three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a new tropical depression formed east-southeast of the Philippines. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 23W was located at latitude 5.3°N and longitude 148.7°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) west-southwest of Chuuk. The depression was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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.

Typhoon Molave Brings Wind and Rain to the Philippines

Typhoon Molave brought wind and rain to parts of the Philippines on Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Molave was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 122.2°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) east of Calapan, Philippines. Molave was moving toward the west at 22 m.p.h. (350 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 982 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Molave intensified rapidly to a typhoon as it approached Luzon. A circular eye developed at the center of Typhoon Molave. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center.

The center of Typhoon Molave moved across southeastern Luzon near Tabaco. It was located near Marinduque Island. Molave was dropping heavy rain over parts of southern Luzon, Mariduque Island and Mindoro. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Molave will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Molave toward the west. On its anticipated track Typhoon Molave will move across Mindoro and over the South China Sea. Molave could approach the coast of central Vietnam in about 60 hours.

Typhoon Molave will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 48 hours. Molave will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will slow the rate of intensification but there will not be enough vertical wind shear to keep Typhoon Molave from intensifying when it moves over the South China Sea.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Saudel was approaching the coast of central Vietnam. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 107.4°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) east of Xuan Duc, Vietnam. Saudel was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Molave Forms East of Luzon, Saudel Approaches Vietnam

Teopical Storm Molave formed east of Luzon and Tropical Sorm Saudel approached Vietnam on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Molave was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 127.1°E which put it about 300 miles (485 km) east of Tabaco, Philippines. Molave was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 1003 mb.

A low pressure system east of the Philippines strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Molave. The circulation around Tropical Storm Molave was still organizing. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Molave. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical StormMolave will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Molave will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Molave will strengthen during the 12 to 18 hours before it reaches the Philippines. Molave could weaken when its circulation interacts with the islands of the Philippines. Molave could strengthen to a typhoon when it moves over the South China Sea early next week.

Tropical Storm Molave will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Molave toward the east. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Molave will approach Catanduanes Island in about 12 hours. Molave will reach southeastern Luzon in about 18 hours. Tropical Storm Molave will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the central Philippines. The center of Molave could pass just south of Manila in a day or so. It could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Saudel passes south of Hainan Island as it moved closer to the coast of Vietnam. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 109.7°E which put it about 210 miles (340 km) east of Xuan Duc, Vietnam. Saudel was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Saudel will make landfall on the central coast of Vietnam near Xuan Duc in about 18 hours. It will bring gusty winds to the coast. Saudel will drop heavy rain over parts of central Vietnam, southern Laos and northeastern Thailand. The ground in those areas is saturated from prior rain dropped by earlier tropical cyclones and other weather systems. Saudel will make ongoing floods worse.

Saudel Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Typhoon Saudel weakened back to a tropical storm over the South China Sea on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 113.1°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-southeast of Hainan. Saudel was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 984 mb.

Tropical Storm Saudel weakened over the South China Sea on Friday. An upper level ridge over eastern Asia produced easterly winds which blew toward the top of Saudel. Those winds cause moderate vertical wind shear and they were the primary cause of the weakening of the former typhoon. Breaks developed in the ring of strong thunderstorms surrounding the eye. The distribution of thunderstorms became more asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Saudel. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next several days.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over eastern Asia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear, will cause Tropical Storm Saudel to continue to weaken during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will pass south of Hainan Island in about 24 hours. Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in about 36 hours. Saudel could still be a tropical storm when it approaches makes landfall on the central coast of Vietnam between Hue and Vinh. Even if Saudel weakens to a tropical depression, it will still drop locally heavy rain over parts of Vietnam and southern Laos. The heavy rain will cause floods in some locations where the ground is already saturated.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Twentyone-W developed east of Luzon. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Twentyone-W was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 130.7°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) east of Luzon. The depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (505 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb. The depression is forecast to move toward the Philippines and to strengthen into a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Saudel Develops East of Luzon

Tropical Storm Saudel developed east of Luzon on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 124.3°E which put it about 185 miles (300 km) east of Baler, Philippines. Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest 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.

A low pressure system east of Luzon strengthened on Monday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Saudel. The circulation around Tropical Storm Saudel exhibited more organization on satellite images. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be under the southern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Saudel will start to move across northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will weaken while it moves over Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel will move over the South China Sea in about 24 hours. Saudel will begin to strengthen again when it moves back over water.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west-northwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will reach the coast of northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some parts of Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in a few days.

Maysak Intensifies into a Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Maysak intensified into a typhoon on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 128.7°E which put it about 335 miles (540 km) east of Luzon.  Maysak was moving toward the west-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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.

The circulation around Typhoon Maysak exhibited greater organization on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped partially around the center of circulation and an eye could be forming at the center of Maysak.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the core.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Maysak will continue to strengthen and it could intensify rapidly when an eye and eyewall are fully formed.  Maysak could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane within 24 to 36 hours.

Typhoon Maysak will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Maysak toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Maysak will move toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Maysak could pass near Okinawa in about 48 hours.  Typhoon Maysak is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it passes near Okinawa.