HCMC – Weather experts forecast that Saudel, the eighth storm to threaten Vietnam this year, will hit the central provinces of Quang Binh and Quang Tri and bring heavy rain to the central localities between October 24 and 26.

According to the national weather center, the storm was located some 360 kilometers east of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, with strong winds blowing at 100-135 kilometers per hour, gusting at level 14 as of 1 p.m. on October 22. It is likely to move west-northwest at 5-10 kilometers in the next 24 hours. By 1 p.m. on October 23, the system could be spotted some 190 kilometers east-northeast of the Hoang Sa archipelago, packing winds of 115-135 kilometers per hour, gusting at level 14. Saudel is expected to move westward at around 10 kilometers per hour in the next 24-48 hours. It may be centered some 140 kilometers west-northwest of the archipelago by 1 p.m. on October 24, with maximum sustained winds of 115 kilometers per hour. The storm will move faster at 15-20 kilometers per hour with an unchanged westward direction in the next 48-72 hours and touch down in the sea running from Nghe An to Quang Tri on October 25, with gusty winds at level 10. Experts advised local residents, especially fishermen, to stay updated on weather conditions via mass media and storm warning systems to take preventive measures against flooding and landslides.