HCMC – A tropical depression in the northwest of the East Sea strengthened into a storm on August 30, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to central Vietnam, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
At 7 a.m., the eye of Storm Nongfa was about 210 kilometers east of northern Quang Tri Province. Maximum sustained winds were 62-74 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving west-northwest at around 20 kilometers per hour.
Nongfa is expected to make landfall in Ha Tinh Province and northern Quang Tri on the evening of August 30, then weaken into a tropical depression as it moves inland toward central Laos by August 31.
Rainfall of 150-300 millimeters is forecast for areas from Thanh Hoa Province to Hue City through August 31, with some locations receiving over 500 millimeters. The northern midlands, delta regions, and Danang City may record 70-150 millimeters, with isolated areas seeing more than 300 millimeters.
Strong winds and rough seas are expected in the northern East Sea and coastal waters from Thanh Hoa to Hue, including Hon Ngu and Con Co islands. Waves could reach up to five meters, and storm surges of 0.2-0.4 meters are likely along the coast from Nghe An to Hue.
Authorities warned of dangerous conditions for vessels, aquaculture farms, and coastal operations. Coastal areas from Nghe An to Quang Tri are expected to experience increasing winds from August 30, with the strongest gusts in Ha Tinh and northern Quang Tri.
Meteorologists also warned of possible strong thunderstorms ahead of the storm’s direct impact.
