Latest update from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 7:00 p.m. on December 22, the center of the tropical depression was at about 9.5 degrees north latitude; 114.3 degrees east longitude, in the Truong Sa archipelago area.
The strongest wind near the center of the tropical depression is level 7 (50 - 61 km/h), gusting to level 9; moving north at a speed of 20 - 25 km/h.
It is forecasted that in the next 24 hours, the tropical depression will move northwest at a speed of about 15km/h, with the possibility of strengthening into a storm. At 7:00 p.m. on December 23, the center of the storm will be at about 11.3 degrees north latitude - 112.4 degrees east longitude; in the southwest sea area of the central East Sea.
The strongest wind near the storm center is level 8, gusting to level 10.
It is forecasted that in the next 48 hours, the storm will move west-southwest at a speed of about 5 - 10km/h. At 7:00 p.m. on December 24, the center of the storm will be at about 10.8 degrees north latitude - 110.7 degrees east longitude; in the southwest sea area of the central East Sea.
The strongest wind near the storm center is level 8, gusting to level 10.
In the next 48 to 72 hours, the storm will move west-southwest, about 10km per hour, and gradually weaken into a tropical depression.
Regarding the impact of the tropical depression/storm, the South China Sea (including the Truong Sa archipelago) and the southwestern sea of the central China Sea will have strong winds of level 6-7, the area near the storm's center will have strong winds of level 8, gusts of level 10, waves 4-6m high; rough seas.
Ships operating in the above mentioned dangerous areas are likely to be affected by storms, whirlwinds, strong winds and large waves.