Tropical depression in East Vietnam Sea likely to intensify into first storm of 2025

At 7:00 am on Tuesday, the depression was located about 360km east-southeast of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, with sustained winds reaching 49kph and gusts up to 74kph.

It is currently moving slowly westward at approximately 5kph.

The system is forecast to maintain its westward drift at the same speed and may strengthen further.

By 7:00 am on Wednesday, it is expected to lie around 240km east-southeast of Hoang Sa, with winds increasing to 61kph and gusts up to 88kph.

A marine wind hazard has been raised to level 3 in the northern East Vietnam Sea, including Hoang Sa, and its north-central waters.

By 7:00 am on Thursday, the depression is likely to become the year’s first storm, located over the Hoang Sa archipelago and moving west-northwest at 10-15kph.

Once it reaches storm strength, its trajectory may shift toward the north-northwest at about 10kph, with potential for further intensification.

Since Tuesday morning, the northern East Vietnam Sea has experienced thunderstorms and winds of up to 61kph (gusts to 88kph), driving waves 2-4 meters high.

Boats and ships in the affected zone face high risks from rainstorms, waterspouts, strong winds, and rough seas.

Due to fluctuating atmospheric conditions, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting urges the public and marine operators to monitor ongoing updates on the depression’s development.