Tag Archives: Prapiroon

Typhoon Gaemi Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Gaemi strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Taiwan on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Gaemi was located at latitude 23.1°N and longitude 123.2°E which put the center about 200 miles (325 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Gaemi was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 948 mb.

Typhoon Gaemi rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of Taiwan on Tuesday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 6 miles (10 km) formed at the center of Gaemi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storm.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Gaemi.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Gaemi was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Gaemi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of Typhoon Gaemi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Gaemi was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 31.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 59.3.  Typhoon Gaemi was similar in size to Hurricane Wilma when Wilma hit South Florida in 2005.  Gaemi is stronger than Wilma was when it hit South Florida.

Typhoon Gaemi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Gaemi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Gaemi could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Gaemi will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Typhoon Gaemi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Gaemi will approach the coast of northeastern Taiwan in 12 hours.

Typhoon Gaemi will bring very strong winds and torrential rain to Taiwan.  Gaemi will be capable of causing extensive severe damage.  Heavy rain is likely to cause widespread flash floods.  Typhoon Gaemi will also be capable of causing a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the east coast of Taiwan.

Typhoon Gaemi will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to the southern Ryukyu Islands.  The strongest part Gaemi’s circulation will pass southwest of the Ryukyu Islands, but the typhoon is likely to some wind damage.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Gaemi will move toward the east coast of China after is crosses northern Taiwan.  Gaemi could approach the coast of China in less than 36 hours.  Typhoon Gaemi will weaken when it moves over Taiwan, but Gaemi could still be a typhoon when it reaches China.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Prapiroon weakened to a tropical depression over northern Vietnam.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Prapiroon was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 107.0°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Lang Son, Vietnam.  Prapiroon was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 994 mb.

Gaemi Intensifies to Typhoon Southeast of Taiwan

Former Tropical Storm Gaemi intensified to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoo Gaemi was located at latitude 18.8°N and longitude 124.7°E which put the center about 405 miles (655 km) southeast of Hualien, Taiwan.  Gaemi was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 977 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Gaemi exhibited more organization on Monday as it strengthened to a typhoon.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Gaemi’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Typhoon Gaemi.  A ring of showers and thunderstorms surrounded the developing eye.  The ring was thickest in the southeastern side of the eye and thinnest in the northwestern side.  Other bands of thunderstorms were occurring southern and eastern parts of Gaemi’s circulation.  Bands in the northern and western parts of Typhoon Gaemi consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Typhoon Gaemi.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (250 km) from the center of Gaemi’s circulation.

Typhoon Gaemi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gaemi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Gaemi will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Gaemi will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Typhoon Gaemi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Gaemi will approach the east coast of Taiwan in 36 hours.

Typhoon Gaemi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan during the middle of the week.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Prapiroon brought wind and rain to northern Vietnam.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 107.9°E which put the center about 40 miles (65 km) east of Cam Pha, Vietnam.  Prapiroon was moving toward the northwest 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 985 mb.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon Brings Wind and Rain to Hainan

Tropical Storm Prapiroon brought wind and rain to Hainan on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 109.9°E which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) south-southwest of Haikou, China.  Prapiroon was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon intensified on Sunday before the center moved over Hainan.  Microwave satellite images indicated that an eye was in the process of forming at the center of Prapiroon’s circulation as the tropical storm made landfall in Hainan.  The formative 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 center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.

The center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon made landfall on the south coast of Hainan near Lingshui.  The core of Prapiroon’s circulation moved across the center of Hainan.  Storms near the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon brought heavy rain and strong winds to much of Hainan.  Bands in the northern part of Hainan’s circulation were also bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of southern China.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over southern China.  The high pressure system will steer Prapiroon toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move over the Gulf of Tonkin on Monday.  The center of Prapiroon’s circulation could approach the southern coast of China in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will continue to cause strong winds and locally heavy rain in Hainan during the next few hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Prapiroon will also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of southern China and northeastern Vietnam.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaemi strengthened east of Luzon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Gaemi was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 125.7°E which put the center about 525 miles (845 km) south of Ishigakijima, Japan.  Gaemi was moving toward the north-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon Forms Over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Prapiroon formed over the South China Sea on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 111.2°E which put the center about 260 miles (460 km) south-southeast of Haikou, China.  Prapiroon was moving toward the west 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 998 mb.

Former Tropical Depression 04W strengthened on Saturday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Prapiroon.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Prapiroon was exhibiting a little more organization.  There were not a lot of thunderstorms near the center of Prapiroon’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.

Although the circulation around Tropical Storm Prapiroon was large, the area of stronger winds was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Prapiroon’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Prapiroon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Prapiroon’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent some strengthening.  Tropical Storm Prapiroon could intensify a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern China.  The high pressure system will steer Prapiroon toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move toward Hainan.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Hainan during the next 24 hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaemi strengthened gradually east of the Philippines.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gaemi was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 125.5°E which put the center about 485 miles (780 km) south of Ishigakijima, Japan.  Gaemi was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Maria Prompts Warning for Guam

Tropical Depression 10W strengthened into Tropical Storm Maria on Wednesday and a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Guam.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 145.9°E which put it about 95 miles (155 km) southeast of Guam.  Maria was moving toward the north-northwest 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 1000 mb.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Guam and Rota.  Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Saipan and Tinian.

The center of circulation in former Tropical Depression 10W became more well organized on Wednesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Maria.  The circulation was still increasing in organization.  There was a distinct low level center of circulation.  Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Maria will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next few days.  Maria will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Tropical Storm Maria will move under the western end of an upper level ridge that is between two upper level lows which are east and west of the ridge.  The upper level winds will be relatively weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The combination of the ridge and two upper level lows will increase the upper level divergence.  Tropical Storm Maria will continue to strengthen.  Maria will become a typhoon later this week.  It could intensify rapidly once an eye forms and the inner core is well developed.

Tropical Storm Maria is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge which is steering Maria toward the north-northwest.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Maria will move near Guam and Rota later today.  A general motion toward the northwest is forecast for the next several days.  Maria could move in the direction of the Ryukyu Islands at the end of the week.

Tropical Storm Maria will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the southern Mariana Islands.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain will affect Guam and Rota.  Gusty winds and heavy rain will also affect Saipan and Tinian.  Heavy rain could produce flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Prapiroon was moving over the Sea of Japan.  Prapiroon was bringing wind and rain to the northern Islands of Japan including Hokkaido and Honshu.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 39.6°N and longitude 135.6°E which put it about 360 miles (585 km) west-southwest of Misawa, Japan.  Prapiroon was moving toward the northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were winds gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

Typhoon Prapiroon Brings Wind and Rain to Kyushu

Typhoon Prapiroon brought wind and rain to Kyushu on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Prapiroon was located at latitude 32.8°N and longitude 128.6°E which put it about 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Sasebo, Japan.  Prapiroon was moving toward the north-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (27 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 968 mb.

Rainbands on the eastern side of Typhoon Prapiroon were moving over parts of Kyushu.  Those bands were causing gusty winds and they were dropping locally heavy rain.  The circulation of Typhoon Prapiroon was exhibiting the effects of a more midlatitude environment.  Drier air was wrapping around the western and southern portions of the typhoon.  The bands in those parts of Prapiroon consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.  The western portion of the eyewall was also weakening.  There were still strong thunderstorms in the eastern half of the eyewall and that was where the strongest winds were occurring.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms on the eastern side of the circulation were revolving around the core of Typhoon Prapiroon.

Typhoon Prapiroon will be moving through an environment that will cause it to weaken.  Prapiroon was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 26°C.  However, it will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 24°C when it moves north of Japan.  An upper level trough west of South Korea will produce southwesterly winds which will cause vertical wind shear.  The combination of cooler water and more vertical wind shear will cause Typhoon Prapiroon to weaken to a tropical storm on Tuesday.  Prapiroon could begin a transition to an extratropical cyclone because of the effects of the midlatitude environment.

Typhoon Prapiroon was being steered toward the north-northeast by the upper level trough.  Stronger westerly winds will steer Prapiroon more toward the northeast when it gets north of Japan.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Prapiroon will pass near the northwestern portion of Kyushu.  The center of Prapiroon is forecast to pass between south Korean and Japan and then to move over the Sea of Japan.  Rainbands on the eastern side of Typhoon Prapiroon will cause gusty winds and drop heavy rain over parts of Kyushu.  Heavy could cause flash floods in some locations.  Prapiroon could also bring wind and rain to southeastern South Korea and parts of northern Honshu.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean Tropical Depression 10W formed southeast of Guam.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 10W was located at latitude 10.6°N and longitude 145.7°E which put it about 205 miles (330 km) south-southeast of Guam.  It was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.  A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Guam.  A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Tinian and Saipan.

Typhoon Prapiroon Brings Winds and Rain to Okinawa

Typhoon Prapiroon brought wind and rain to Okinawa on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Prapiroon was located at latitude 26.8°N and longitude 126.8°E which put it about 65 miles (100 km) west-southwest of Okinawa.  Prapiroon was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

The circulation of former Tropical Storm Prapiroon became much more well organized on Sunday.  A circular eye formed at the center of circulation and Prapiroon strengthened into a typhoon.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern half of the typhoon were revolving around the center of circulation.  Bands northwest of the center consisted mostly of showers and low clouds.  Storms in the core of the circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the east of the typhoon.

Typhoon Prapiroon will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Prapiroon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is 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 Prapiroon could intensify during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Prapiroon will move over cooler water in a day or so.  It will also reach a location where an upper level trough west of South Korea will cause more vertical wind shear.  An environment of cooler water and more wind shear will cause Typhoon Prapiroon to weaken at that time.

Typhoon Prapiroon is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge which is steering it toward the north.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Prapiroon will pass west of Okinawa and the northern Ryukyu Islands.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 30 miles (50 km) east of the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 150 miles (240 km) east of the center.  So, even though the center of Typhoon Prapiroon will pass west of the northern Ryukyu Islands, it will bring gusty winds and heavy rain.  Typhoon Prapiroon could approach western Kyushu in 24 hours.  When Prapiroon moves farther north the trough west of South Korea will start to steer the typhoon more toward the northeast.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon Moves Toward Okinawa

Tropical Storm Prapiroon moved closer to Okinawa on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 22.4°N and longitude 128.3°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) south of Okinawa.  Prapiroon 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 992 mb.

There was a distinct center of circulation in the middle of Tropical Storm Prapiroon, but the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  The stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands south and east of the center of circulation.  The bands north and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.  A large upper level ridge over Asia was producing northerly winds which were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were probably the reason for the asymmetric distribution of thunderstorms.  Those winds were also blocking upper level divergence to the north and west of Prapiroon.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move through an area marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Prapiroon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification.  The upper level ridge will continue to cause some vertical wind shear, but Tropical Storm Prapiroon could move into an area where the upper level winds are a little weaker on Sunday.  If the wind shear decreases, then Tropical Storm Prapiroon will intensify.  There is still a chance that Prapiroon could strengthen into a typhoon when it passes near Okinawa.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge over the Pacific Ocean which is steering the tropical storm toward the northwest.  Prapiroon is forecast to move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the ridge in 12 to 24 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon could approach Okinawa in 12 to 18 hours.  The center of Prapiroon will likely pass west of Okinawa which would bring the strongest winds and heaviest rain over Okinawa.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon Forms South-Southeast of Okinawa

A distinct center of circulation formed within an area of thunderstorms south-southeast of Okinawa on Thursday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Prapiroon.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 130.2°E which put it about 500 miles (800 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Prapiroon 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 998 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was still organizing.  More thunderstorms were forming close to the center of circulation.  There were more thunderstorms west of the center than there were east of the center.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms in the outer part of the circulation were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Prapiroon.  The storms in the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon formed beneath an upper level ridge that developed between an upper level low northwest of the Philippines and a much larger upper low east of the Marianas.  The winds in the upper ridge will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Prapiroon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  Tropical Storm Prapiroon will move through an environment very favorable for intensification.  Prapiroon will strengthen and it could intensify rapidly once the inner core organizes.  Tropical Storm Prapiroon could strengthen into a typhoon in 24 to 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Prapiroon was moving around the southwestern part of a subtropical ridge which was steering the tropical storm toward the west.  Prapiroon will turn toward the north in 12 to 24 hours when it reaches the western end of the ridge.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Prapiroon could approach Okinawa in about 36 hours.  Prapiroon could be a typhoon when it nears Okinawa.