Typhoon Bavi forecast to hit eastern China, with rough seas, heavy rain expected in Vietnam
Powerful typhoon Bavi is forecast to track farther north and make landfall along China's eastern coast instead of crossing Taiwan, bringing strong winds and rough seas to Vietnamese waters as well as heavy rain across parts of Vietnam, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
As of 7:00 am Friday, Bavi's center was located about 650 kilometers southeast of Taiwan and around 1,000 kilometers southeast of China’s Fujian Province.
The typhoon has weakened significantly from its earlier status as a super typhoon, with maximum sustained winds decreasing from 201 kph to 166 kph.
Over the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to move northwest at around 25 kilometers per hour as it gradually weakens.
On its current forecast track, Bavi is expected to pass through waters north of Taiwan before moving toward China's eastern coast and making landfall between Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces late Saturday or early Sunday, with sustained winds of up to 133 kph and gusts reaching 166 kph.
Although Bavi is forecast not to enter the East Vietnam Sea, its circulation is expected to generate strong winds, high waves, and rough seas across parts of Vietnamese waters.
Waters from Khanh Hoa to Vinh Long Provinces, along with the central and southern East Vietnam Sea, including Vietnam's Truong Sa Special Zone, are forecast to experience winds of up to 49 kph, with gusts reaching 74 kph, creating rough seas.
Similar wind conditions are forecast for the eastern part of the northern East Vietnam Sea, where waves are expected to reach two to four meters.
Northern Vietnam and the north-central province of Thanh Hoa are forecast to experience showers, moderate rain, and scattered thunderstorms on Friday, with rainfall of 20-40 mm and localized totals exceeding 100 mm.
The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall of 10-25 mm and isolated amounts exceeding 50 mm, mainly in the afternoon and evening.
Thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds may disrupt agricultural production, uproot trees, and damage homes, transportation infrastructure, and other public facilities.
Heavy rainfall may also trigger flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
Vinh Tho - Chi Tue / Tuoi Tre News