Tropical Depression Forms in South China Sea
A low-pressure area in the central South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression this morning, with forecasts predicting it will approach the Paracel Islands in the next two days.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7:00 AM, the tropical depression reached a wind speed of 49 km/h (30 mph) and was moving northwest at 5-10 km/h (3-6 mph).
The depression is expected to maintain its current direction and intensity today but increase its speed to 10 km/h (6 mph). By 7:00 AM tomorrow, it will be located east of the northern and central South China Sea.
Tropical Depression Approaches Paracel Islands
The tropical depression will then shift to a west-northwest direction with a speed of 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph). By 7:00 AM on July 21, it is forecast to be located northeast of the Paracel Islands with wind speeds of 6-7 (39-50 mph) and gusts up to 9 (56 mph).
Potential for Heavy Rains and Strong Winds
Due to the influence of the tropical depression, the eastern waters of the northern and central South China Sea are expected to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds (6-7, 39-50 mph), and high waves (2-4 meters or 6.5-13 feet).
Government Issues Warning
In a telegram issued on the afternoon of July 19, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development urged coastal provinces from Quảng Ninh to Bình Thuáºn to closely monitor the development of the tropical depression. He requested them to enumerate and inform fishing vessels of the depression's trajectory, allowing them to take proactive measures for prevention.
Second Tropical Depression in a Week
This marks the second tropical depression to form in the South China Sea within a week. Previously, on July 13, a low-pressure area in the South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression and made landfall after two days, causing heavy rainfall in Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, and Thừa Thiên Huế.
Storm Season Forecast
Meteorological authorities predict that this year's typhoon season will arrive later than usual, with storms concentrated in September-November. They anticipate 11-13 typhoons and tropical depressions in the South China Sea, with 5-7 impacting the Vietnamese mainland.
Summary
A tropical depression has formed in the South China Sea and is predicted to approach the Paracel Islands in the next two days. The depression is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and high waves to the eastern waters of the northern and central South China Sea. The Vietnamese government has issued warnings to coastal provinces to monitor the situation and take precautions. This is the second tropical depression to form in the South China Sea in a week. Meteorological authorities forecast a late but active typhoon season, with 11-13 storms expected, of which 5-7 are predicted to impact mainland Vietnam.