HCMC – Storm Koto moved into the East Sea late last night with sustained winds at level 8 and is forecast to intensify as it approaches Vietnam’s south-central coast.
According to the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense, which issued an urgent notice on November 26, the storm, the 15th storm to hit the nation this year, requires provinces from Quang Tri to Lam Dong to prepare response measures.
As of 7 a.m. today, the storm’s center was located about 440 kilometers east of Song Tu Tay Island, with maximum sustained winds of 62–74 kph and gusts up to level 10. It is currently moving northwest at around 25 kph.
Meteorologists expect the storm to track west-northwest today and tomorrow at about 20 kph and gradually strengthen. Koto could reach peak intensity at level 11, with gusts up to level 14.
After passing north of Vietnam’s Truong Sa Islands, the storm is expected to shift southward and slow down. By the morning of November 28, its center may be about 160 kilometers northwest of Song Tu Tay, still at around level 11.
The storm could later curve north and weaken as it heads toward the waters off central Vietnam.
Officials said the storm’s path remains uncertain due to the influence of a subtropical ridge, westerly winds, and an approaching cold front. Regardless of whether Koto makes landfall, moderate to heavy rain is expected from November 28 to 30 across central provinces, particularly from Thua Thien-Hue to Lam Dong.
Strong winds of level 6–7 are forecast for the central East Sea, including areas around northern Truong Sa. Near the storm’s center, winds could reach level 8–10 today, with waves of 4–6 meters.
From November 27 to 28, parts of the central East Sea may experience winds up to level 11, gusting to level 14, and waves as high as 7–9 meters. Vessels in affected waters face risks of thunderstorms, rough seas, and dangerous swells.
Authorities in south-central provinces are urged to continue recovery efforts following recent historic flooding while preparing for new storm impacts. Local governments must monitor and alert vessel operators about the storm’s movement and keep rescue forces ready.
The national weather agency forecasts one to two more storms or tropical depressions in the East Sea in the coming month, with the potential to affect Vietnam’s mainland.
