Typhoon Malakas Update #8

Malakas is now strengthening more quickly; it has just been upgraded into a typhoon. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 120kph. Typhoon Malakas was last located 530km south of Iwo To with a movement to the west northwest at 10kph. Forecast track has not changed significantly.

Typhoon Malakas is forecast to slowly turn to the north. It will pass closely to the west of Iwo To on Friday. Malakas will continue to intensify, reaching category 2 strength by Saturday. It will also start to accelerate to the northeast and undergo extra tropical transition which is forecast to be completed by Sunday.

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Issued (06 UTC) 2pm PST 092310