Storm Bualoi nears central Vietnam, packing winds of up to 133 kph

The storm was also spotted some 360 kilometers from northern Quang Tri Province at 6:00 am.

Bualoi is moving quickly west-northwest at a speed of 30 km/h and is expected to strengthen further, according to the national weather center.

By 4:00 pm today, the storm might be off the coast between Nghe An and Quang Tri Provinces with intensity rising to levels 12-13 (118-149 kph), gusting at level 16 (184-201 kph).

Landfall is expected in the late evening, primarily affecting the provinces from northern Quang Tri to Nghe An.

Strong winds are already being felt in the mainland areas from southern Quang Tri to Da Nang, gradually increasing to levels 6-7 (39-61 kph), with gusts reaching levels 8-9.

Powerful winds might damage trees, homes, and power infrastructure in affected localities.

Seaside areas from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh Provinces are also expected to experience winds up to level 7 with gusts at level 9 on Sunday afternoon.

Coastal and island areas from Ninh Binh to Ha Tinh could see sea levels rise by 0.5 to 1.5 meters, posing a high risk of flooding in low-lying areas during high tide on Sunday night.

Widespread rainfall, flooding risks

Heavy rainfall is forecast across the northern and central regions through Tuesday next week.

Total rainfall may reach 100-300 mm in most areas, with localized downpours exceeding 450 mm.

Particularly, the Red River Delta, southern Phu Tho, and the provinces from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri could receive 200-400 mm, with some areas facing over 600 mm.

The national weather center also issued a warning for extreme rainfall, with over 200 mm expected within just three hours in certain areas.

Between Sunday and Wednesday next week, a new wave of flooding is expected along rivers in many northern provinces and provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue City.

Water levels in upstream rivers may rise by 5-9 meters, and 2-5 meters downstream.

Peak flood levels are forecast to reach alert levels two or three, and in some locations, even surpass level three, including the Hong River in Lao Cai Province, the Hoang Long River in Ninh Binh, and several other rivers in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Tri.

The risk of serious flooding in low-lying urban and rural areas is high, particularly across northern Vietnam and the central region from Thanh Hoa to Hue.

Mountainous areas are under threat of landslides and flash floods due to prolonged rain.

Strong waves across central Vietnam

Severe maritime conditions are already affecting the western part of the northern and central East Vietnam Sea, including Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) Special Zone.

Wave heights range from six to eight meters, and up to 10 meters in the storm's eye.

Coastal waters from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai are facing winds up to level 13 and waves of 5-7 meters.

The northern Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi, Van Don, Co To, and Cat Hai Special Zones, as well as Hon Dau Island, will also see conditions worsen with winds reaching level nine and waves up to five meters.