HCMC – A low pressure system in the East Sea has been forecast to strengthen into a tropical depression tomorrow, October 7, and is likely to cause heavy rain in many parts of Vietnam, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
At 1 p.m. today, the system was centered some 160 kilometers west-northwest of Song Tu Tay Island of the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.
In the next 24 hours, the low pressure zone is expected to move westward at 15 kilometers per hour and is likely to strengthen into a tropical depression.
As of 1 p.m. on October 7, the tropical depression may be located in the coastal areas running from the Binh Dinh to Khanh Hoa provinces, packing winds at a maximum of 40-60 kilometers per hour, gusting at level 9.
It is predicted to continue heading westward in the next 24-48 hours at 15-20 kilometers per hour.
Due to the impact of the possible tropical depression coupled with the active southwest monsoon in the East Sea, rain showers and thunderstorms have been forecast in the waters of Binh Dinh to Ca Mau provinces, with whirlwinds and gusty winds at level 7-8 likely to occur during thunderstorms.
Further, under the combined impact of a tropical convergence zone and a cold spell, the central localities are likely to see torrential rain measuring 300-500 millimeters, while medium to heavy rain will hit the Central Highlands and southern localities, with rainfall forecast to reach 150-350 millimeters.
After October 11, heavy downpours in the central localities may show complicated developments, said the center.
