HCMC – A tropical depression is forecast to enter the East Sea late on November 25 and may strengthen into the 15th storm to form in the region this year, potentially affecting Vietnam’s south-central coast between November 28 and 30.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the system was located east of the Philippines at 1 p.m. today, with maximum sustained winds of 50–61 kph and gusts up to 75 kph.
The depression is moving west-northwest at 20–25 kph and is expected to cross central Philippines today and tomorrow before entering the East Sea early on November 26. When the system is still around 1,000 kilometers offshore, it may intensify into a tropical storm.
Forecasters said the storm’s peak intensity could reach Level 10, with sustained winds of 89–102 kph and gusts up to Level 13 as it passes near the northern area of Vietnam’s Truong Sa Archipelago. It is then projected to track westward toward the south-central coast, with potential impacts stretching from Binh Dinh to the former Binh Thuan Province area, including the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai and Lam Dong.
However, the storm may weaken before landfall due to cooler sea-surface temperatures and a cold air surge in the region. Initial forecasts suggest the system could reach the mainland as a Level 8–9 storm or weaken back into a tropical depression.
Heavy rain is expected in a wide area from Danang to Lam Dong between November 28 and 30, with the most intense rainfall likely along coastal districts.
At sea, wind speeds over the central and southern East Sea are forecast to strengthen to Level 6–7 from the evening of November 25, with areas near the storm center reaching Level 8 and gusts up to Level 10. Waves could rise 3–5 meters. Between November 26 and 28, parts of the East Sea, including waters north of the Truong Sa Archipelago, may see winds of Level 9–10 and gusts up to Level 13.
Authorities warn vessels operating in the affected zones of severe risks from thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas.
On November 24, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense issued an urgent directive requiring ministries, agencies, and provincial governments from Quang Tri to An Giang to prepare for the approaching weather system. Provinces in the south-central region were asked to accelerate post-flood recovery and ensure safety measures are in place for the next round of severe weather.
Local authorities must immediately notify vessels at sea to take precautionary measures and adjust their routes to avoid dangerous areas. Search and rescue teams are required to stay on alert and mobilize necessary resources.
The committee also directed ministries and agencies to coordinate closely with provincial authorities in responding to the tropical depression, potential storm conditions, and subsequent flooding.
