This morning, Typhoon Yinxing intensified to Category 15 (maximum wind speed of 183 km/h) as it approached Luzon Island in the Philippines, with the possibility of entering the South China Sea by dawn tomorrow.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7 AM, the storm’s center was located over the northeastern waters of Luzon, with a strength of Category 15, gusting to over Category 17, which is an increase of two categories compared to yesterday afternoon.
Today, the typhoon is moving west-northwest at a speed of 5-10 km/h, brushing past Luzon Island into the South China Sea. By 7 AM tomorrow, the storm’s center will be east of the northern South China Sea, with maximum wind speeds of Category 14 and gusts reaching Category 16.
Once in the South China Sea, the storm will accelerate to 15 km/h and continue westward. By 7 AM on November 9, the typhoon will be 430 km away from the Paracel Islands, with wind speeds of Category 12 and gusts of Category 14.
In the following days, due to the influx of cold air from the north, the storm will change direction towards the south, moving at a speed of 15-20 km/h, approaching the central coastal region on November 12.
Forecast path and impact area of Typhoon Yinxing on the morning of November 7. (Image: NCHMF).
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Typhoon Yinxing is at its peak stage with maximum wind speeds of 180 km/h. The storm will maintain this wind strength as it passes north of Luzon Island. The Hong Kong Observatory has classified Yinxing as a super typhoon with wind speeds of 195 km/h. Both agencies predict that the storm will enter the South China Sea tomorrow.
As the storm approaches, the eastern waters of the northern South China Sea are experiencing winds of force 6-7, which will increase to force 8-10 tonight, with areas close to the storm center reaching force 11-13, and gusts of up to force 16. Sea waves are expected to be 4-6 meters high, reaching 6-8 meters near the center. Ships operating in this area may encounter strong winds, large waves, and thunderstorms.
Last night, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development requested coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Binh Thuan to closely monitor the developments of Typhoon Yinxing and to warn fishermen against entering hazardous areas. Central provinces are urged to quickly address the aftermath of the heavy rains following Typhoon Tra Mi, proactively evacuating residents in areas at risk of deep flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 6 typhoons in the South China Sea. The most recent was Typhoon Tra Mi, which made landfall in Thua Thien Hue – Da Nang on October 27, causing heavy rains in the central region, resulting in 8 fatalities, 14 injuries, nearly 330 damaged houses, and the loss of over 1,200 hectares of crops along with 1,500 livestock.
In September, the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change predicted that there would be about 4-5 more typhoons in the South China Sea and 2-3 that would directly impact mainland Vietnam during the remaining months of the year.
