Storm Bualoi forecast to enter East Vietnam Sea this weekend

As of early Wednesday morning, the center of Bualoi was located off the southern coast of the Philippines.

It was packing winds ranging from 75 to 88 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 117 kilometers per hour.

The storm was moving west-northwest at a speed of around 15 kilometers per hour.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that once Bualoi moves into the East Vietnam Sea, it is likely to gain strength quickly due to favorable sea surface temperatures.

By Saturday, it may intensify to wind speeds of up to 117 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching 166 kilometers per hour, and it could continue strengthening beyond that point.

Forecasters said the storm may approach the Gulf of Tonkin by September 29.

However, they cautioned that conditions remain uncertain and urged fishermen and residents in coastal areas to monitor updates closely.

Beginning Friday evening, the northeastern and central areas of the East Vietnam Sea are expected to experience winds between 39 and 61 kilometers per hour, with some areas near the storm's center reaching up to 117 kilometers per hour.

Gusts could climb even higher. 

Sea waves are predicted to rise between five and seven meters, creating highly dangerous conditions for marine traffic.