Tropical Depression 01W Update #1

The first tropical system of this year has formed over the South China Sea. TD 01W strengthened into a depression after moving through the Visayas yesterday. It was last located approximately 580km west southwest of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan or about 760km east of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. TD 01W has maximum sustained winds of 45kph and gusts of up to 65kph. It is moving westward at 15kph.

IR Image from NOAA showing the location of TD 01

Based on the latest satellite images and microwave data, the low level circulation center is partially exposed and is slightly displaced from the area of main convection. There is moderate wind shear in the region (15 to 20kt) although still somewhat favorable for further development. Computer models are showing a weak system that will move into Vietnam sometime this Sunday. JTWC has put out their final warning although JMA continues to release updates. We'll continue our posts as well and the next one will be this afternoon (4pm Philippine Time).

Stay safe!
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Issued (22 UTC) 6am PhT 021812