Storm Bualoi forecast to enter East Vietnam Sea tonight, head toward central region

After entering the sea, it is expected to head toward central Vietnam, according to the national weather center.

As of 1:00 am on Friday, the storm's center was located over the central Philippines. Maximum sustained winds near the center reached level 11, ranging from 103 to 117 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to level 14. 

It is forecast to move quickly west-northwest at a speed of 25 to 30 kilometers per hour, entering the East Vietnam Sea around Friday night.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm will continue moving in the same direction over the weekend, approaching Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) Special Zone by Sunday and the coastal waters of the central provinces by Monday. 

It is expected to intensify further, possibly reaching level 12 or 13, which would classify it as a very strong storm. 

The current forecast suggests Bualoi may make landfall in the north-central provinces early next week.

By 1:00 am on Saturday, the center of the storm will be located in the eastern waters of the central East Vietnam Sea, maintaining its strength with winds at level 11 and gusts up to level 14. 

Throughout Saturday, Bualoi is expected to strengthen as it continues west-northwest at 25 to 30 kilometers per hour.

By early Sunday morning, the storm's center is forecast to be in the southern waters of Hoang Sa, with maximum sustained winds reaching level 12, or 118 to 133 kilometers per hour, and gusts up to level 15. 

It will maintain its rapid movement toward the central coastline, with the possibility of gaining further strength.

By 1:00 am on Monday, the storm's center is projected to be located in the coastal waters off the north-central provinces, with winds of level 12 to 13, or 118 to 149 kilometers per hour, and gusts as high as level 16. 

Bualoi may make landfall later that day, continuing its fast west-northwest track.

As the storm approaches, strong winds are expected to affect the eastern waters of the northern and central East Vietnam Sea beginning Friday evening. 

Wind speeds will increase from level 6 or 7 to level 8 or 9, with areas near the center experiencing winds of level 10 to 12 and gusts up to level 15. 

Sea waves may reach heights of five to seven meters, creating very rough conditions.

All vessels operating in the affected areas will face a high risk of thunderstorms, waterspouts, strong winds, and high waves.