Storm Kalmaegi intensifies rapidly, heads toward central Vietnam

The national weather agency warned that Kalmaegi is strengthening rapidly and may reach 134-166 kph, gusting up to 202-220 kph, as it passes over Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) Special Zone and waters off Da Nang City to Khanh Hoa Province.

“From Thursday night, Kalmaegi could directly impact the coastal areas from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa,” the center said.

Winds near the shore, including Ly Son Special Zone off Quang Ngai Province, may reach 118-149 kph, gusting above 180 kph, while mainland coastal zones could experience winds at 89-133 kph, gusting to 150-183 kph.

The storm is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall from Thursday to Sunday, particularly in Quang Tri, Da Nang, and Dak Lak, with a high risk of new flooding on rivers across the region.

The agency cautioned that forecasts of Kalmaegi’s track, strength, and rainfall zones may still vary, urging local authorities and residents to closely monitor official updates.

From Tuesday afternoon, strong winds at 39-61 kph are expected in the eastern East Vietnam Sea, increasing to 62-117 kph, with areas near the storm center reaching 103-149 kph, gusting up to 167-201 kph.

Wave heights could reach between five and seven meters.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, the central East Vietnam Sea and offshore waters from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa may see winds at 118-166 kph, gusting above 220 kph, and waves 8-10 meters high.

The center warned that all vessels, offshore structures, and fishing activities in the storm’s path will face severe conditions with dangerous winds, lightning, and towering waves.