Tropical depression approaching East Vietnam Sea could develop into storm No. 15

A low-pressure area east of the Philippines developed into a tropical depression on Monday morning.

At 8:00 am, the eye of the tropical depression was located over the waters east of the Philippines, with maximum sustained winds reaching level 7 (50-61 kph), gusting up to level 9 (75-88 kph).

Over the next one to two days, the tropical depression is expected to move west-northwest at around 20 kph.

By Tuesday night to early Wednesday, it is forecast to enter the East Vietnam Sea.

On Wednesday, when still about 1,000 kilometers from the south-central coast of Vietnam, the tropical depression could intensify into a storm.

If this occurs, it will be classified as the 15th storm in the maritime region in 2025.

The strongest intensity is expected as it passes the northern part of Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Spratly) Special Zone, potentially reaching level 10 (89-102 kph), with gusts up to level 13 (134-149 kph).

The storm might move westward toward the mainland of the south-central region, primarily affecting the provinces from Gia Lai to Lam Dong, known as the former Binh Dinh to Binh Thuan Provinces

The storm is likely to impact the region from November 28 to 30.

As the storm approaches coastal waters, its intensity may decrease due to cold air influence and lower sea surface temperatures in the south-central region.

By the time it reaches land, it could be at storm level 8-9 or downgraded to a tropical depression.

From November 28 to 30, widespread heavy rainfall is expected from Da Nang to Lam Dong, according to the national weather center.