Tag Archives: Maysak

Typhoon Bavi Bears Down on the Marianas

Typhoon Bavi was bearing down on the Marianas on Sunday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 147.6°E which put the center about 215 miles (350 km) east of Guam.  Bavi was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 200 m.p.h. (325 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 911 mb.

Typhoon Warnings are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Alamagan.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Pagan and Agrihan.

Typhoon Bavi went through a complete eyewall replacement cycle on Saturday.  Bavi strengthened back to its previous intensify after it completed the eyewall replacement cycle.

A new circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  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 Bavi’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Bavi generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from typhoon.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Bavi increased after the eyewall replacement cycle.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Bavi’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Typhoon Bavi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Bavi is 36.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 19.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 55.9.  Typhoon Bavi is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Maria when Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017.

Typhoon Bavi will more through an environment that will be favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours unless another eyewall replacement cycle occurs.  If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Bavi to weaken temporarily again.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bavi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Bavi will reach the Marianas in 12 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will bring very strong winds and heavy rain to the Marianas.  Bavi could be capable of causing catastrophic damage.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Bavi could also cause a storm surge of up to 16 feet (5 meters) along the coast of the Marianas.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Maysak continued to move inland over southern China.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 23.3°N and longitude 108.8°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) south-southwest of Liuzhou, China.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.

 

Bavi Causes Typhoon Warnings for Marianas

The risk posed by Typhoon Bavi caused Typhoon Warnings to be issued for the Marianas.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 12.6°N and longitude 150.5°E which put the center about 405 miles (650 km) east of Guam.  Bavi was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 200 m.p.h. (325 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 913 mb.

Typhoon Warnings are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan.

A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  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 Bavi’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Bavi generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from typhoon.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to continue to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Bavi was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Bavi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Typhoon Bavi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Bavi is 36.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 19.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 56.0.  Typhoon Bavi is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Maria when Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017.

Typhoon Bavi will more through an environment that will be favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.  If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall and concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause  Bavi to weaken temporarily.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bavi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bavi will reach the Marianas in 36 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will bring very strong winds and heavy rain to the Marianas.  Bavi could be capable of causing catastrophic damage.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Bavi could also cause a storm surge of up to 16 feet (5 meters) along the coast of the Marianas.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Maysak was moving toward northeast Vietnam.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 107.7°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) east of Haiphong, Vietnam.  Maysak was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.

Typhoon Bavi Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Bavi rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 151.9°E which put the center about 500 miles (805 km) east of Guam.  Bavi was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 921 mb.

Typhoon Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan.

A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  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 Bavi’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Bavi generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from typhoon.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Bavi was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Bavi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Typhoon Bavi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Bavi is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 53.6.  Typhoon Bavi is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Maria when Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017.

Typhoon Bavi will more through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi could continue to intensify during the next 24 hours unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.  If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall and concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause  Bavi to weaken.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bavi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bavi will reach the Marianas in 48 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will bring very strong winds and heavy rain to the Marianas.  Bavi could be capable of causing catastrophic damage.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Bavi could also cause a storm surge of up to 16 feet (5 meters) along the coast of the Marianas.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Maysak was moving toward the coast of Southern China.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 108.5°E which put the center about 115 miles (185 km) south of Qinzhou, China.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northwest 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 1000 mb.

Typhoon Bavi Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Bavi intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Thursday night.  The threat posed by Bavi prompted the issuance of Typhoon Watches and Tropical Storm Watches for the Marianas.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 12.9°N and longitude 153.8°E which put the center about 625 miles (1010 km) east of Guam.  Bavi was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 955 mb.

Typhoon Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan.

A circular eye with a diameter of 21 miles (33 km) was at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  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 Bavi’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Bavi generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from typhoon.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Bavi was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Bavi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Typhoon Bavi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Bavi is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 40.7.  Typhoon Bavi is similar in intensity to Hurricane Jeanne when Jeanne hit South Florida in 2004.  Bavi is not quite as large as Jeanne was.

Typhoon Bavi will more through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Bavi could intensify rapidly at times.  Typhoon Bavi could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bavi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bavi could reach the Marianas in less than 60 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Marianas.  Bavi could be capable of causing catastrophic damage.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Bavi could cause a storm surge of up to 16 feet (5 meters) along the coast of the Marianas.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Maysak was bringing gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hainan.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 17.9°N and longitude 109.4°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) south of Sanya, China.  Maysak was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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.

Bavi Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Bavi strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Marianas on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 156.1°E which put the center about 790 miles (1275 km) east of Guam.  Bavi was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Bavi strengthened to a typhoon on Thursday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Bavi’s circulation.  A circular eye formed at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  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 center of Bavi’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Bavi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Bavi increased on Thursday as Bavi intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Bavi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Typhoon Bavi.

Typhoon Bavi will more through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Bavi could intensify rapidly at times. Typhoon Bavi could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bavi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bavi could reach the Marianas in less than 72 hours.

Typhoon Bavi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Marianas.  Bavi could be capable of causing catastrophic damage.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 10W strengthened to Tropical Storm Maysak southeast of Hainan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 110.2°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Sanya, China.  Maysak was moving toward the west 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 1002 mb.

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.

Large Typhoon Maysak Churns Toward South Korea

Large, powerful Typhoon Maysak churned toward South Korea on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 30.1°N and longitude 126.9°E which put it about 405 miles (655 km) south-southwest of Busan, South Korea.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 932 mb.

Typhoon Maysak neared the completion of an eyewall replacement cycle on Tuesday which resulted in an increase in the size of the circulation.  The original inner eyewall had not quite dissipated, but low level convergence was focused on the much larger outer eyewall.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of Maysak.

Typhoon Maysak was a large, dangerous tropical cyclone.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 27.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 52.6.  Typhoon Maysak was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Since Typhoon Maysak was near the end of an eyewall replacement cycle, it will likely weaken slowly during the next 18 hours.  Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  An upper level trough over eastern Asia will approach Typhoon Maysak on Wednesday.  The trough will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause more vertical wind shear and the shear will cause Typhoon Maysak to weaken more quickly.

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 24 hours.  On its anticipated track the core of Typhoon Maysak is likely to pass west of Kyushu.  Maysak could reach South Korea in about 18 hours.  Typhoon Maysak could be the equivalent of a large, major hurricane when it gets to South Korea.  Maysak will produce very strong winds over South Korea.  It will also drop heavy rain and flash floods could occur.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Haishen strengthened south of Iwo To.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Haishen was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 142.8°E which put it about 340 miles (545 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Haishen was moving toward the west-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1000 mb.  Tropical Storm Haishen is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon and it could move toward western Japan later this week.

Typhoon Maysak Brings Wind and Rain to the Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Maysak brought winds and rain to the Ryukyu Islands on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 27.5°N and longitude 126.5°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) west-northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 932 mb.

The eye and eyewall of Typhoon Maysak passed west of Okinawa on Monday.  Rainbands on the eastern side of Maysak passed over Okinawa and some of the other southern Ryukyu Islands.  A weather station at Naha reported a sustained wind speed of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h).  A station at Kitahari (Kumejima Airport), which was closer to the center of Typhoon Maysak reported a sustained wind speed of 89 m.p.h. (144 km/h).

Satellite and radar images suggest that concentric eyewalls may have formed at the core of Typhoon Maysak.  The inner eye had a diameter of 8 miles (13 km).  A much larger outer eye with a diameter of approximately 100 miles (160 km) surrounded the inner eye.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the large core of Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Maysak was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Maysak was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI).  Maysak was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong typhoon during the next 24 hours, but it has likely reached its peak intensity.  The formation of concentric eyewalls normally results in a weaker, but larger tropical cyclone.  The wind speed will decrease when the inner eyewall dissipates.  When that occurs, the maximum wind speeds will occur in the larger outer eyewall.  Since Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C, it will remain a typhoon for another 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 36 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Maysak will pass west of Kyushu.  Typhoon Maysak could reach South Korea in 36 hours

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 11W was passing southeast of Iwo To.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 11W was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 144.2°E which put it about 290 miles (470 km) southeast of Iwo To.  The depression was moving toward the west-southwest 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 1006 mb.

Typhoon Maysak Strengthens to Equivalent of Major Hurricane Near Okinawa

Typhoon Maysak strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane near Okinawa on Monday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 127.0°E which put it about 110 miles (180 km) south-southwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 936 mb.

Typhoon Maysak strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Monday as it approached Okinawa.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Maysak.  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 Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

Typhoon Maysak had a large circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Maysak.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Maysak was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 24.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.7.  Typhoon Maysak was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 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 are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Maysak could strengthen further and it could intensify into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

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 the center of Typhoon Maysak will pass west of Okinawa during the next few hours.  Maysak will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Okinawa.  Typhoon Maysak could approach South Korea in about 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 11W formed east-southeast of Iwo To.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 11W was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 127.0°E which put it about 315 miles (515 km) east-southeast of Iwo To.  the depression was moving toward the southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 1008 mb.

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.