Typhoon Bolaven (Julian) Update #10

Typhoon Bolaven (Bagyong Julian) continues to intensify as it approaches the Ryukyu Islands. The eye was last located approximately 540km southeast of Okinawa. Maximum sustained winds are now at 230kph with gusts of up to 280kph. Bolaven is currently moving northwestward at 15kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows the eye of Bolaven remains well-defined despite what seems to be an eyewall replacement cycle. Multiple eyewalls are seen forming on microwave image with the inner eyewall still intact. The cycle could take 12 to 24 hours and could temporarily weaken Bolaven. Nevertheless, the system is still a powerful Category 4 and could be Okinawa's biggest storm in more than a decade!

Already, Tropical Storm force winds of up to 65kph are starting to be reported across Daito Islands. Furthermore, outer rain bands from Bolaven are beginning to impact the said islands. Both winds and rains will start impacting Okinawa later this afternoon and will only get worse throughout the night. Bolaven is still forecast to make landfall in Okinawa tomorrow morning (Sunday) with winds of up to 260kph possible. Please take precautions now!

We'll have another update later this afternoon. Stay safe!
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Issued (03 UTC) 11am PhT 082512