TS Sarika Update #4

Tropical Storm Sarika (Dodong) has finally exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility. TS Sarika was located approximately 400km NW of Laoag City. Sustained winds remain at 65kph. Sarika is moving NNW at 25kph.

The storm is struggling due to moderate wind shear and other factors. The low level center has become exposed and the convection continues to be displaced to the south.

We still expect TS Sarika to intensify, albeit just by a little probably reaching a peak intensity of 80kph. We have shifted our track slightly to the west based on present movement. We are forecasting Sarika to make landfall near Shantou in Southeastern China on Saturday morning as a weak tropical storm. It will then rapidly weaken as it turns to the northeast in response to an approaching front from Eastern China.

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Issued (0730 UTC) 330pm PhT 061011