HCMC – Storm Koto, the 15th storm to form in the East Sea this year, weakened overnight and early on November 28, according to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The storm was located in the western part of the central East Sea on Friday morning, about 240 kilometers northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. Maximum sustained winds dropped to 103-117 kph, with stronger gusts recorded.
Koto is moving slowly and is expected to shift direction several times over the next three days. It is forecast to turn north on November 29, move west on November 30, and head west-southwest on December 1. The storm is likely to weaken by roughly one level each day.
Forecasters said the system could downgrade into a tropical depression as it nears offshore areas between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak provinces.
Marine conditions remain hazardous. Winds in the central East Sea may reach levels 7-9, and up to levels 10-11 near the storm’s center. Gusts could rise further, and waves may reach 7-9 meters.
Koto entered the East Sea on November 25. The region typically records around 12 storms and tropical depressions a year, but 20 systems have formed so far in 2025.
