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Typhoon Kalmaegi Strikes Central Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck central Vietnam on early on Thursday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 109.9°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 951 mb.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall on the coast of central Vietnam near Song Cau early on Thursday.  Kalmaegi was the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) at the time of landfall.

At the time of landfall winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi at the time of landfall was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.0.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Milton when Milton hit Florida in 2024.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will move inland over central Vietnam during the next few hours.  Kalmaegi will then move near the border between Laos and Cambodia.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam during the next few hours.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland over Southeast Asia.  Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Fung-wong continued to strengthen gradually east of Yap.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 9.9°N and longitude 140.62E which put the center about 170 miles (280 km) east of Yap.  Fung-wong was moving toward the west-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 992 mb.  Tropical Storm Fung-wong is forecast to intensify to a typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Kalmaegi intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Vietnam on Wednesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 13.4°N and longitude 113.6°E which put the center about 335 miles (540 km) east-southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi continued to strengthen on Wednesday as it moved over the South China Sea east of Vietnam.  A small circular eye was at the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.1.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Delta when Delta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  There is drier air to the north of Kalmaegi.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could intensify during the next 18 hours if the drier air remains north of the typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will reach the coast of central Vietnam in 18 hours.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi is likely to make landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Quy Nohn.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 32W strengthened to Tropical Storm Fung-wong east of Yap.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 140.6°E which put the center about 190 miles (305 km) east of Yap.  Fung-wong was moving toward the west-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 996 mb.  Tropical Storm Fung-wong is forecast to intensify to a typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Moves over South China Sea

Typhoon Kalmaegi moved over the South China Sea on Wednesday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 115.2°E which put the center about 450 miles (725 km) east-southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi strengthened again on Wednesday as it moved over the South China Sea.  A new, small circular eye formed at the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi was relatively small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.8.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  There is drier air to the north of Kalmaegi.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could intensify during the next 24 hours if the drier air remains north of the typhoon.  Kalmaegi could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will reach the coast of central Vietnam in 24 hours.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi is likely to make landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Quy Nohn.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 32W  was slowly becoming more organized east of Yap.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 32W was located at latitude 8.9°N and longitude 142.3°E which put the center about 300 miles (485 km) east of Yap.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west 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 998 mb.  It is forecast to strengthen.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Moves over the Sulu Sea

Typhoon Kalmaegi moved over the Sulu Sea on Tuesday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.5°N and longitude 121.3°E which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) east-southeast of Taytay, Philippines.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 985 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi weakened as it moved across the central Philippines on Monday.  An eye was no longer visible on satellite images.  Thunderstorms were still occurring near the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern half of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Bands in the northern half of Kalmaegi’s circulation contained fewer thunderstorms.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the typhoon.  However, there was more mass converging in the lower levels of the atmosphere than there was mass diverging in the upper levels.  So, the surface pressure was increasing.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi decreases as Kalmaegi weakened.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (170 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi 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 easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could start to intensify again during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will pass near northern Palawan in a few hours.  Kalmaegi will move over the South China Sea on Tuesday night.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Palawan and the Calamian Group of islands.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 32W formed south of the Marianas.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression 32W was located at latitude 9.5°N and longitude 142.7°E which put the center about 285 miles (460 km) south-southwest of Guam.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west 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 1000 mb.  It is forecast to strengthen.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Brings Wind and Rain to the Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi brought wind and rain to parts of the Philippines on Monday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.6°N and longitude 125.6°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) east of Abuyog, Philippines.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi continued to strengthen as it approached the central Philippines on Monday.  A small circular eye developed at the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms neat the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds around Typhoon Kalmaegi was symmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 31.5.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will weaken when the center of circulation passes over the central Philippines.  Kalmaegi will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it reaches the Sulu Sea on Tuesday.  Kalmaegi 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 easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Kalmaegi will start to intensify again when it reaches the Sulu Sea.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through the central Philippines during the next 24 hours.  The center of Kalmaegi will pass near southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros, and Panay Island.  Typhoon Kalmaegi will pass near northern Palawan on Tuesday.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain will occur at Dinagat Island, southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros, Panay Island, and northern Palawan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast.

Kalmaegi Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Kalmaegi strengthened to a typhoon east of the Philippines on Sunday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.5°N and longitude 128.3°E which put the center about 190 miles (305 km) east-northeast of Dinagat, Philippines.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 985 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Kalmaegi strengthened to a typhoon east of the Philippines on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Conventional and microwave satellite images indicated that a small eye was forming at the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms neat the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi was small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°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 easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Kalmaegi will intensify during the next 12 hours.  Kalmaegi will weaken when it passes over the Philippines.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will reach the Philippines in 12 hours.  The center of Kalmaegi will pass near Dinagat Island, southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros, and Panay Island.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain will occur at Dinagat Island, southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, northern Negros, and Panay Island.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi Forms East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.4°N and longitude 136.7°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Yap.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi exhibited more organization on Saturday.  New thunderstorms formed near the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface to pressure to start to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (85 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°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 easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will pass north of Palau in 12 hours.  Kalmaegi will approach the Philippines in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Yutu Brings Wind and Rain to Luzon

Typhoon Yutu brought wind and rain to Luzon on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Yutu was located at latitude 16.8°N and longitude 122.4°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km east of Ilagan, Philippines.  Yutu was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 949 mb.

The center of Typhoon Yutu made landfall near Palanan Point on the northeast coast of Luzon late on Monday.  Yutu had a large circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 270 miles (435 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yutu was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 43.3.  Typhoon Yutu is capable of causing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Yutu could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) on the northeast coast of Luzon.  It will also produce destructive winds as it moves across northern Luzon.  Yutu will move westward across Luzon.  It will move into the South China Sea south of Vigan, Philippines.  Typhoon Yutu will drop very heavy rain over parts of northern Luzon and flash flooding will be very likely.  Rapid runoff into the Cagayan River could cause it to flood.

Typhoon Yutu will move over the Sierra Madre mountains and the Cordillera Central when it moves across northern Luzon.  Those two mountain ranges will disrupt the lower levels of the circulation and Yutu will be weaker when it reaches the South China Sea.  Yutu could still be a typhoon when it moves back over water, but it may weaken to a tropical storm by then.

Typhoon Yutu will move around the western end of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean when it reaches the South China Sea.  Yutu will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the ridge and it could approach China in four or five days.

Powerful Typhoon Yutu Threatens Northern Luzon

Powerful Typhoon Yutu continued to pose a threat to northern Luzon on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Yutu was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 475 miles (765 km) east of Cape Engano, Philippines.  Yutu was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 929 mb.

There were minor fluctuations in its intensity on Saturday, but Typhoon Yutu remains a very powerful tropical cyclone.  A circular eye is at the center of circulation.  The eye is surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds are occurring in that ring of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms are revolving around the core of Typhoon Yutu.  Storms around the core are generating strong upper level divergence which is pumping mass away from the typhoon in all directions.

Typhoon Yutu has a large circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 250 miles (400 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Yutu is 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 28.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 59.9.  Typhoon Yutu is capable of causing wide spread significant damage.

Typhoon Yutu will continue to move south of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Yutu in a generally westerly direction for another 36 to 48 hours.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Yutu will reach northern Luzon in about 36 to 42 hours.  Yutu will create a storm surge at the coast.  It will cause significant wind damage over northern Luzon.  Yutu will also drop locally heavy rain and cause flash floods over parts of northern Luzon.

Powerful Typhoon Yutu Churns Toward Northern Luzon

Powerful Typhoon Yutu churned toward northern Luzon on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Yutu was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 135.9°E which put it about 900 miles (1450 km) east of Cape Engano, Philippines.  Yutu was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 920 mb.

After completing an eyewall replacement cycle Typhoon Yutu strengthened again on Friday.  Yutu is once again the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  The eyewall replacement cycle also caused an increase in the size of Typhoon Yutu’s circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 260 miles (420 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 28.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 63.9.

Typhoon Yutu has a large, very well organized circulation and it will remain in an environment capable of supporting a powerful typhoon for several more days.  Yutu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move through an area where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Yutu could strengthen a little more during the next 12 to 24 hours.  At some point another rainband is likely to wrap around the existing eye and eyewall, and another eyewall replacement cycle could occur.  If there is another eyewall replacement cycle, then Yutu would weaken, at least temporarily.

Typhoon Yutu will move south of a ridge of high pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Yutu in a generally westward direction.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Yutu could reach northern Luzon in about four days.  Yutu is very likely to be a strong typhoon when it approaches Luzon.