Typhoon Muifa (Kabayan) Update #21

Typhoon Muifa (Bagyong Kabayan) is now nearing the prefecture of Okinawa. It was last located approximately 250km southeast from Naha. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 195kph gusting to 220kph. Muifa is moving north of westward at 15kph.

Muifa has weakened down to a Category 2 typhoon as it struggled to complete the Eyewall Replacement Cycle (EWRC). Nevertheless, Muifa is still a strong typhoon that must not be taken lightly.

Latest wind reports from JMA indicate the strongest winds of around 70kph are still in Daitojima, approximately 200km southwest from Muifa's center. Minam-daito also reported a maximum gust of around 140kph a few hours ago, since then pressure has been steadily rising in the area. Meanwhile, Okinawa is now beginning to report tropical storm-force gusts and sustained winds of 40 to 50kph. Pressure is also dropping now in that area.

The radar from JMA has also picked up the eye already with the outer rain bands now moving into Okinawa. This will bring light to moderate rain with ratest of around 10-20mm/hr. Rain will also continue for Daito-jima as the backside moves across.

For the JMA radar, please click HERE

We will have another update by 12pm today for Muifa. Our update for TS Merbok and the unnamed TD south of Japan will come around 3pm.
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Issued (0030 UTC) 830am PhT 080411