Typhoon Muifa & TS Merbok Video Update August 4, 2011

Typhoon Muifa (Bagyong Kabayan) is now battering Okinawa and the surrounding islands. Winds have now increased to 50-60kph with gusts of as high as 100kph. Rainbands with rates of 10-20mm/hr are also beginning to affect the area. Muifa was last located approximately 210km south southeast of Okinawa and is moving westward at 10kph.

These conditions will last throughout the night and will PEAK by Friday morning, around 8am Japan Time. By then, expect typhoon-force winds of as high as 120kph gusting to 160kph. Rain will also remain to be a threat for the next 12 hours. Expect rainfall amounts of 100-200mm by the time this is all said and done.

Here is my forecast for Muifa:

Please watch the video for more details as well as the latest update on Tropical Storm Merbok.


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Issued (09 UTC) 5pm PhT 080411