Tropical depression near East Vietnam Sea may strengthen into storm

At 7:00 am on Wednesday, the center of the tropical depression was located north of Luzon Island in the Philippines, with maximum sustained winds of 50-61 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 75-88 kph.

The system was moving northwest at around 15 kph.

Within the next 24 hours, the depression is forecast to continue heading northwest at 15-20 kph, entering the East Vietnam Sea and likely strengthening into a storm.

If it develops as expected, it would be the eighth storm to affect this maritime region this year.

By 7:00 am on Thursday, the storm's center is projected to be over the northeastern part of the East Vietnam Sea, carrying winds of 62-74 kph and gusts up to 89-102 kph.

From 24 to 48 hours after that, the storm is expected to keep moving northwest at about 15 kph and may strengthen further.

By 7:00 am on Friday, it could be located approximately 300 kilometers east-southeast of Hong Kong, with sustained winds of 62-88 kph and gusts up to 103-117 kph.

The system is forecast to maintain its intensity while shifting west-northwest at roughly 10 kph over the following two to three days.

Starting Wednesday night, the northeastern area of the East Vietnam Sea is expected to experience hazardous sea conditions, including winds of 39-61 kph, gusts up to 90 kph, and waves ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 meters high.

Vessels in the affected waters may encounter thunderstorms, rough seas, and strong gusts.

Meanwhile, scattered showers and thunderstorms already affected parts of central and southern Vietnam overnight and into Wednesday morning. 

Rainfall totals reached 68 millimeters in Quang Dien of Hue City, 88 millimeters in Ia Kenh of Gia Lai Province, and 51 millimeters in Song Hinh of Dak Lak Province.

The national weather agency warned that showers and thunderstorms will continue from Wednesday afternoon through the central region from Hue to Lam Dong Province and across the southern provinces.

Rainfall is expected to range from 15 to 30 millimeters, with some areas receiving more than 80 millimeters.

Officials cautioned that the intense thunderstorms could lead to flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on steep terrain, and flooding in low-lying areas.