Typhoon Muifa (Kabayan) Update #22

Typhoon Muifa (Bagyong Kabayan) has weakened slightly as it moves slowly towards Okinawa. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 165kph gusting to 200kph. Muifa was last located approximately 220km southeast of Okinawa moving west northwestward at 10kph.

Recent IR images show improving organization in the inner core of Muifa. Real time ADT are also continuously rising for the past 3 hours. Muifa is moving in to a somewhat more favorable environment with slightly higher Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) and Ocean Heat Content (OHC). Furthermore, with the forward speed slowing down to 10kph, we could see Muifa re-intensify back to a Category 3 typhoon tomorrow.

Latest VIS image from NOAA

As for Okinawa, winds continue to get stronger with the latest reports now ranging from 40 to 60kph with gusts of up to 100kph. This will only get stronger, peaking later this afternoon as Muifa passes within 150km south of the island. By that time, expect easterly winds of around 120kph or more. Rainbands are now also affecting the island although mainly light rain at the moment.

We will have another update by 3 or 4pm today. A video update will also be posted later for Muifa and Merbok.
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Issued (05 UTC) 1pm PhT 080411