Brian Jeffrey
Tropical Depression Update
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that a low-pressure system in the southern East Sea developed into a tropical depression on the morning of December 21.
At 10 a.m., winds near the depression’s center reached 39-49 km/h (level 6), with gusts up to level 8. The depression is currently nearly stationary.
Strong winds are being recorded at various stations: Huyen Tran station indicated winds at level 7 with level 8 gusts; Phu Quy Island observed level 7 gusts; and Truong Sa Island reported level 6 winds with level 7 gusts. The northern East Sea is experiencing northeast winds of level 6-7.
Forecast of Severe Weather
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are anticipated today over the southern East Sea, especially around the Spratly Islands. There’s a potential for waterspouts and strong winds reaching levels 7 to 8.
By December 22, strong northeast winds at level 7, with gusts of level 8-9, will impact the northern East Sea, including the Paracel Islands. Rough seas are expected, with wave heights between 4 to 6 meters.
The waters stretching from Quang Ngai to Ca Mau, the central East Sea, and the western parts of the southern East Sea will experience northeast winds at level 6-7, alongside gusts of level 8-9. Waves are predicted to reach heights of 3-5.5 meters.
Coastal regions from Quang Tri to Quang Nam will have northeast winds at level 6 with gusts up to level 8, resulting in waves of 2-4 meters.
The Gulf of Tonkin is forecasted to see northeast winds at levels 5-6 and gusts reaching level 7-8, along with wave heights of 1-3 meters.
All vessels in these regions are at high risk due to waterspouts, strong winds, and towering waves.
Upcoming Rainfall and Flood Risks
The Southern Meteorological Center predicts a cold air mass and high-altitude pressure systems will trigger heavy rains. From December 23 to 26, widespread rainfall is expected in the Central and South Central regions, with localized downpours of 100-300 mm and certain areas exceeding 500 mm.
The Central Highlands will witness moderate to heavy rains, particularly in the eastern sector, with localized totals of 60-120 mm, and some locations might surpass 200 mm between December 24-25.
The northern region of Vietnam, including Hanoi, will remain dry and clear until December 23. Light rain is expected in some areas from December 24-27, with scattered showers on December 26-27, while temperatures will be noticeably cool, especially in mountainous areas.
Rivers in the Thua Thien Hue to Ninh Thuan provinces could see rising water levels from December 23-27, increasing the risks of flash floods, landslides in hilly areas, and flooding in low-lying regions.
Heavy rain is also anticipated in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with localized downpours expected in parts of the East Southern region during December 24-25.
