According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on the evening of July 19, the center of storm Wipha was located in the sea northeast of Luzon Island (Philippines). The strongest wind near the storm center is level 8 - 9 (62-88km/h), gusting to level 11: moving northwest at a speed of about 25km/h.
Mr. Nguyen Van Huong - Head of Weather Forecasting Department, National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting provided preliminary assessments on the development and impact of this storm.
Mr. Nguyen Van Huong, what is worth noting about the development of storm Wipha?
- Storm Wipha is currently operating in very favorable environmental conditions. The sea surface temperature in the area where the storm is active and the northern part of the East Sea - where the storm is expected to enter - is at the highest level in the Northwest Pacific, about 30 - 31 degrees Celsius. This temperature is higher than both the central and southern East Sea, as well as the northern sea area of the Pacific.
In addition, wind shear in the upper atmospheric layers is currently low, creating favorable conditions for moisture to accumulate and supporting the development of the storm. It is forecasted that in the next 24 to 72 hours, storm Wipha will tend to strengthen. The strongest intensity that can be achieved is when the storm approaches the Lusi Peninsula (China) - around level 11 - 12.
How is the impact of Typhoon Wipha on mainland Vietnam forecast and can you tell the affected area?
- Regarding the impact of Typhoon Wipha, it will cause strong winds and heavy rain on land. However, it is still impossible to confirm exactly when the storm will directly impact or affect our mainland. However, according to current analysis, from July 21 onwards, the North, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces are likely to record strong winds in the coastal area, then gradually spread further inland.
Also from July 21 to July 23 - 24, the North, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, Ha Tinh are likely to experience a period of very heavy rain over a wide area.
Notably, the time Typhoon Wipha enters the East Sea coincides with the expanding subtropical high pressure period, causing the storm's speed to tend to be faster than normal. With a fast speed of movement, the storm's intensity is expected to be strong and less volatile.
With such a forecast of the risk of heavy rain in the North and North Central regions, what are the potential dangerous natural disasters, sir?
- In the upcoming rain due to the impact of the storm, we warn of the risk of major floods in the Northern region, especially in mountainous areas. The northern mountainous region, the western mountainous provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh are also likely to face flash floods and landslides.
Sincerely thank you!
