Tropical depression moves toward Gulf of Tonkin, heavy rain hits central Vietnam

As of 1:00 am on Sunday, the tropical depression was centered over Hoang Sa, packing maximum sustained winds at level 6 (39-49 kph) on the Beaufort scale and gusts at level 8 (62-74 kph), according to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The system is expected to reach Hainan Island by early Monday morning before entering the Gulf of Tonkin.

By 1:00 am on Tuesday next week, it is forecast to be in the northern Gulf of Tonkin with sustained winds of 39-49 kph and gusts up to 74 kph, weakening as it moves northwest at 10-15 kph.

The tropical depression has already brought widespread rainfall to the central Vietnamese areas from Thanh Hoa Province to Da Nang City, as well as parts of the Central Highlands.

Heavy downpours were recorded in Da Nang’s Cham Island at 130 millimeters, Ha Tinh Province’s Ky Thinh at 104 millimeters, and Quang Tri Province’s Hai An at 91 millimeters.

From now until Monday night, the northeastern and north-central provinces could see rainfall of 50-120mm, with some areas receiving up to 250mm.

Rainfall may also affect the Central Highlands and southern provinces with localized heavy showers.

The national weather center warns of potential flooding in low-lying urban areas and flash floods or landslides in mountainous regions.

Boats operating in the northern East Vietnam Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin are advised to seek shelter as the system brings waves of 2-3.5 meters, thunderstorms, and strong gusts.