Updated from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 1:00 p.m. on July 17, the center of the tropical depression was at about 15.1 degrees north latitude; 126.9 degrees east longitude, in the sea east of the Philippines. The strongest wind near the center of the tropical depression is level 7 (50 - 61km/h), gusting to level 9. The tropical depression is moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 - 20km/h.
It is forecasted that in the next 24 hours, the tropical depression moving in a west-northwest direction is likely to strengthen into a storm. At 1:00 p.m. on July 18, the center of the storm was at about 17.4 degrees north latitude; 123.5 degrees east longitude, in the sea east of Luzon Island (Philippines). The strongest wind near the storm center is level 8 - 9, gusting to level 11.
It is forecasted that in the next 48 hours, the storm will move west-northwest at a speed of 20 - 25km/h, likely to enter the East Sea and continue to strengthen.
At 1:00 p.m. on July 19, the center of the storm was at about 18.8 degrees north latitude; 119.1 degrees east longitude, in the eastern sea of the northern East Sea. The strongest wind near the storm center is level 10, gusting to level 12. The dangerous area at sea is determined from latitude 16.5 to 21 degrees north; east of longitude 117.5 degrees east. The natural disaster risk level is level 3 for the eastern sea area of the northern East Sea.
In the next 48 to 72 hours, the storm will continue to move west-northwest at a speed of 20 - 25km/h and is likely to strengthen.
Regarding the impact of the tropical depression (later strengthened into a storm), at sea, from the afternoon of July 18, the eastern sea area of the northern East Sea will have strong winds of level 6 - 7, gusting to level 9; waves from 2.5 to 3.5m high, rough seas. Ship operating in the above dangerous waters are likely to be affected by thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds and large waves.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Huong - Head of Weather Forecasting Department, National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, it is likely that when it strengthens into a storm and moves into the East Sea, the storm may move west-northwest.
"However, the tropical depression is still in the stage of not becoming a storm. The dominating atmospheric systems such as the southwest monsoon, subtropical high pressure... are still unstable, causing the trajectory and development intensity of this system to have many potential fluctuations, which can change" - Mr. Huong analyzed.
According to the Head of the Weather Forecast Department, if the storm scenario after entering the East Sea continues to maintain its northwest direction, this storm could affect the mainland of Vietnam.
"From around July 21 to 25, it is necessary to be on guard against the risk of a widespread heavy rain in the Northern region and the provinces from Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh due to the circulation of this storm" - Mr. Huong said.
Mr. Huong said that the development of rain is still very complicated, depending on the direction of movement and the impact of the tropical depression or storm.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting recommends that authorities, people and forces operating at sea regularly monitor updates, proactively take preventive measures and respond promptly to any possible situations.
The meteorological agency is closely monitoring and will promptly update in the next bulletins to serve the direction and response of all levels and sectors.
