Storm Wutip expected to intensify further, pack 166kph wind gusts

As of 1:00 pm on Friday, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the eye of storm Wutip was located over the eastern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, about 235 kilometers southeast of Bach Long Vi Island.

Wind speeds near the storm’s center reached level 11 (103-117kph) with gusts at level 14.

The storm is predicted to move northeast and gain strength, possibly reaching level 12 by Friday evening.

By 1:00 am on Saturday, Wutip is forecast to be in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Tonkin with wind speeds of level 11-12 (103-133kph), gusting up to level 14.

In the following 12-24 hours, Wutip is projected to travel north-northeast at 10-15kph, reaching China’s Leizhou Peninsula by 1:00 pm on Saturday with 133kph winds and 149kph gusts.

After making landfall in Guangdong Province, the storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression and then a low-pressure zone as it travels deeper into this Chinese province.

Due to Wutip’s impact, strong winds of level 7-9 (50-88kph) are expected in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Hai Phong may experience strong winds of level 6-7 (39-61kph), gusting up to level 9 (77-88kph), while Thai Binh to Nam Dinh may see winds at level 5-6 (29-49kph), gusting up to level 8 (62-74kph).

The northwestern part of the East Vietnam Sea and offshore waters from Quang Tri to Da Nang may encounter winds of level 6-8 (39-74kph).

Wave heights could range from 3 to 5 meters, with some areas experiencing 4-6 meter waves.

On Friday night, intense downpours are expected in areas from Quang Binh to Hue, with rainfall ranging from 30 to 70mm, and some areas exceeding 120mm.

Nghe An and Ha Tinh may see moderate to heavy rain, with localized downpours and thunderstorms producing 20-40mm of rain, and some places receiving over 100mm.