HCMC – Storm Wipha has entered the northeastern part of the East Sea this morning, July 19, becoming the third storm to affect Vietnam this year, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
As of 7 a.m. on July 19, the storm’s center was located in the northeastern waters of the northern East Sea. Maximum sustained winds near the center were measured at level 9, ranging from 75 to 88 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching level 12.
By 7 a.m. tomorrow July 20, Wipha is forecast to continue moving west-northwest over the northern East Sea, about 600 kilometers east of China’s Leizhou Peninsula. The storm is expected to intensify, with wind speeds reaching level 10 to 11 and gusts at level 13. The natural disaster risk level has been set at level 3.
On July 21, the storm is projected to move westward, approaching the eastern coast of the Leizhou Peninsula with wind speeds of level 11 to 12 and gusts reaching level 14. The areas likely to be affected include the northern East Sea and the eastern part of the Gulf of Tonkin. The natural disaster risk level remains at 3.
By 7 a.m. on July 22, Wipha is expected to move west-southwest into the Gulf of Tonkin at around 20 kilometers per hour and gradually weaken. Maximum wind speeds are forecast at level 9, with gusts at level 12. The affected areas will include the northwestern part of the northern East Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin. The disaster risk level remains at 3.
Due to the storm’s impact, winds in the eastern part of the northern East Sea will gradually strengthen to level 6–7, increasing to level 10–11 near the storm center, with gusts at level 13. Wave heights are expected to reach 4 to 6 meters, and sea conditions will be rough. Fishing vessels operating in affected areas may encounter thunderstorms, waterspouts, strong winds, and high waves.
