Tag Archives: Taipei

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong Clips Southern Taiwan

Tropical Storm Fung-wong clipped the southern part of Taiwan on Wednesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 122.5°E which put the center about 140 miles (225 km) south of Taipei, Taiwan.  Fung-wong was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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.

The center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong moved across southern Taiwan on Wednesday.  Fung-wong brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain as it moved across Taiwan.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong continued to weaken as it moved across southern Taiwan on Wednesday.  Drier air from Asia was pulled into many parts of Fung-wong’s circulation.  A few thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.  Other thunderstorms were located northeast of the center where Fung-wong’s circulation was interacting with a frontal boundary.  There was little upper level divergence.  Since mass was not being transported away from Tropical Storm Fung-wong, the surface pressure was increasing.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Fung-wong was very asymmetrical.  The pressure gradient between a high pressure system over eastern Asia and Tropical Storm Fung-wong was causing a large area of tropical storm winds to the north of Fung-wong.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 320 miles (520 km) in the northern side of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern side of Tropical Storm Fung-wong.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fung-wong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over eastern China.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Fung-wong’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  In addition, the drier air that is already in the circulation around Fung-wong will suppress the formation of new thunderstorms.  Strong vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Tropical Storm Fung-wong to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fung-wong toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fung-wong will move over the southern Ryukyu Island.

Tropical Storm Fung-wong will bring gusty winds and rain showers to the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Podul Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Podul strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Taiwan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Podul was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 128.6°E which put the center about 510 miles (825 km) east-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Podul was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 984 mb.

The circulation around Typhoon Podul became more symmetrical on Monday.  A circular eye appeared at the center of Podul’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms.  The strongest winds were occurring in that broken ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Podul.  Storms near the center of Podul generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Typhoon Podul.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the eastern side of Podul’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Typhoon Podul.

Typhoon Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, an upper level ridge over eastern China and Japan will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Podul could intensify during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Typhoon Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Podul will approach Taiwan in 24 hours.

Typhoon Podul will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Co-may Drops Heavy Rain on Taiwan

Tropical Storm Co-may dropped heavy rain on Taiwan on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was located at latitude 22.8°N and longitude 123.9°E which put the center about 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Co-may was moving toward the northeast at 41 m.p.h. (67 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 997 mb.

Even though the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was passing east of Taiwan, bands in the western side of Co-may’s circulation were dropping heavy rain on parts of southern Taiwan.

Heavy Rain Advisories were in effect for parts of southern Taiwan.

Strong vertical wind shear was causing Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken as it passed east of Taiwan on Friday.  An upper level low centered over eastern China was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Co-may’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear was causing Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Co-may became asymmetrical when Co-may weakened.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Co-may’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Co-may were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Co-may will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Co-may will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, it will move under the eastern side of the upper level low that is centered over eastern China.  The upper level low will continue to produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Co-may’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Co-may to weaken to a tropical depression during the next 24 hours.

The upper low over eastern China will steer Tropical Storm Co-may quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Co-may will move across the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Co-may will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the southern Ryukyu Islands.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Francisco weakened to a tropical depression north of Taiwan and Tropical Storm Krosa strengthened gradually west of the Marianas.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Francisco was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 121.4°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) north of Taipei, Taiwan.  Francisco was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 993 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Krosa was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 143.8°E which put the center about 225 miles (365 km) northwest of Saipan.  Krosa was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 994 mb.

Typhoon Danas Brings Wind and Rain to Taiwan

Typhoon Danas brought strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan on Sunday.  Danas weakened to a tropical storm after it moved across Taiwan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Danas was located at latitude 25.9°N and longitude 121.6°E which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Taipei, Taiwan.  Danas was moving toward the north-northeast at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 989 mb.

The center of former Typhoon Danas moved north-northeast across western Taiwan on Sunday.  Danas produced strong winds and heavy rains as it moved across Taiwan.  The heaviest rain fell in parts of southern Taiwan and in a few mountain areas where the winds were blowing up the slopes.  The Central Weather Administration’s radar estimated that up to a foot (300 mm) of rain fell in some locations.

Former Typhoon Danas weakened to a tropical storm as it moved across western Taiwan.  The center of Danas’ circulation moved over the East China Sea on Sunday night.  Thunderstorms were still occurring near the center of Tropical Storm Danas.  Thunderstorms were also still occurring in bands revolving around the center of Danas’ circulation.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Danas was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Danas’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the western side of Danas.

Tropical Storm Danas will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Danas will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low over eastern China.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Danas’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Danas could intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level low over eastern China will steer Tropical Storm Danas toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Danas will move away from Taiwan.  Tropical Storm Danas could approach the east coast of China in 36 hours.

Wind speeds will decrease in Taiwan when Tropical Storm Danas moves farther away.  Heavy rain should also diminish as the circulation around Danas moves away from Taiwan.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Mun weakened east of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Mun was located at latitude 35.5°N and longitude 148.7°E which put the center about 520 miles (835 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Mun was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 986 mb.

Typhoon Kong-rey Approaches Taiwan

Typhoon Kong-rey was approaching Taiwan on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Kong-rey was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 123.2°E which put the center about 350 miles (565 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Kong-rey was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (2225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.

Typhoon Kong-rey went through an eyewall replacement cycle during the past 18 hours.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the existing eye and eyewall.  Concentric eyewalls formed.  The inner eyewall had a diameter of 25 miles (40 km).  The outer eyewall had a diameter of 175 miles (285 km).  The inner eyewall started to weaken after the outer eyewall formed.  Typhoon Kong-rey weakened a little after the eyewall replacement cycle began

A large eye with a diameter of 175 miles (285 km) was at the center of Kong-rey’s circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the large eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Kong-rey.  Storms near the core of Kong-rey’ circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the large quantities of mass flowing into the center of Typhoon Kong-rey in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The near balance of upper level divergence and lower level convergence of mass caused the surface pressure to increase very gradually.

The eyewall replacement cycle caused the circulation around Typhoon Kong-rey to increase in size.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Kong-rey’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 260 miles (420 km) from the center of Typhoon Kong-rey.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kong-rey was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 42.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 70.3.  Typhoon Kong-rey was bigger and stronger than Hurricane Ivan was when Ivan made landfall on the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico in 2004.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Kong-rey will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°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 Kong-rey could intensify during the next 12 hours if the large eye starts to contract.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kong-rey toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kong-rey will reach Taiwan in 18 hours.

Typhoon Kong-rey is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Taiwan.  Kong-rey will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods.  Typhoon Kong-rey could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meter)s along the east coast of Taiwan.  Typhoon Kong-rey will be capable of causing extensive major damage in Taiwan.

Typhoon Kong-rey Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Kong-rey rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Kong-rey was located at latitude 19.0°N and longitude 125.2°E which put the center about 505 miles (815 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Kong-rey was moving toward the northwest 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 931 mb.

Typhoon Kong-rey rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Tuesday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) formed at the center of Kong-rey’s circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Kong-rey.  Storms near the core of Kong-rey’ circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Kong-rey was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Kong-rey’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 260 miles (415 km) from the center of Typhoon Kong-rey.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kong-rey was 29.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 34.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 64.0.  Typhoon Kong-rey was capable of causing extensive severe damage.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kong-rey will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°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 Kong-rey will 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, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Kong-rey to weaken.   If an eyewall replacement cycle does not occur, then Typhoon Kong-rey could intensify to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kong-rey toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kong-rey will reach Taiwan in 36 hours.

Typhoon Kong-rey is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Taiwan.  Kong-rey will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods.  Typhoon Kong-rey will be capable of causing major damage in Taiwan.

Kong-rey Strengthens to a Typhoon Southeast of Taiwan

Former Tropical Storm Kong-rey strengthened 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 Typhoon Kong-rey was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 127.6°E which put the center about 690 miles (1115 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Kong-rey was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 979 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Kong-rey strengthened to a typhoon on Monday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Kong-rey’s circulation.  A circular eye was starting to form at the center of Typhoon Kong-rey.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the developing eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Kong-rey’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Kong-rey 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 Kong-rey increased as Kong-rey strengthened.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 105 miles (165 km) on the south side of Kong-rey’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Typhoon Kong-rey.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kong-rey will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kong-rey’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Kong-rey will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kong-rey could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Kong-rey will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kong-rey toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kong-rey will move closer to Taiwan.  Kong-rey could reach Taiwan later this week.  Typhoon Kong-rey could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Taiwan,

Tropical Storm Trami Makes Landfall in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Trami made landfall on the coast of Vietnam early on Sunday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Trami was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 107.7°E which put the center about 35 miles (55 km) west-northwest of Da Nang, Vietnam.  Trami was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 996 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Trami made landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Da Nang early on Sunday.  Trami was a relatively small tropical storm at the time of landfall.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Trami’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Trami will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over eastern China.  The high pressure system will steer Trami toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Trami will move inland over Southeast Asia.

Tropical Storm Trami will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to central Vietnam, southern Laos, northern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kong-rey started to strengthen southeast of Taiwan.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Kong-rey was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 131.6°E which put the center about 680 miles (1095 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Kong-rey was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Trami Approaches Vietnam

Tropical Storm Trami approached the coast of Vietnam on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Trami was located at latitude 16.9°N and longitude 109.5°E which put the center about 165 miles (265 km) northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam.  Trami was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 985 mb.

Tropical Storm Trami was weakening as it approached the coast of Vietnam on Saturday.  Trami was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over eastern China.  The upper level ridge was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Trami’s circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing Tropical Storm Trami to weaken gradually.

The upper level winds were also causing the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Trami to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Trami’s circulation.  The bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Trami consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Despite the moderate vertical wind shear, the distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Trami was still fairly symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Trami’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Trami will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification.  Trami will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over eastern China will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will prevent intensification of Tropical Storm Trami.  Trami is likely to continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Trami will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over eastern China.  The high pressure system will steer Trami toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Trami will make landfall on the coast of Vietnam north of Da Nang in about 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Trami will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kong-rey was spinning southeast of Taiwan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kong-rey was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 134.0°E which put the center about 830 miles (1335 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Kong-rey was moving toward the west 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 990 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.