Typhoon Son-Tinh Update #11

Typhoon Son-Tinh has rapidly intensified overnight as it moved south of Hainan. It has since weakened but still remains a powerful typhoon as it nears the Vietnamese Coast. The storm's center was last located approximately 320km south southeast of Hanoi. Maximum sustained winds are at 175kph with gusts of up to  220kph. Son-Tinh is currently moving west northwestward at 20kph.

Vietnamese authorities have raised several typhoon-related warnings in the northern regions of Vietnam. If you live in this region, especially around Hanoi and along the coast, please coordinate with your local officials and always listen to the news for the latest warnings and updates for your area. Stormy conditions are forecast to occur in the next 6 hours and will likely last for 2 days, please prepare now and stay safe!

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows the symmetrical Central Dense Overcast of Son-Tinh moving over the Gulf of Tonkin. Outer rain bands are now impact parts of Northern Vietnam although Hanoi hasn't reported any rains yet. Hainan Island, on the other hand, have already been dealing with heavy rains since yesterday and nearly 200mm of rain have already piled up in some areas. More rains are on the way for them, unfortunately, although weather there should start to get better by tonight or tomorrow.

Typhoon-force winds of up to 160kph are possible later today along the coast of Vietnam while Tropical Storm conditions (winds of around 100kph) could occur inland including Hanoi area. Furthermore, bands of heavy rains will begin to move in the next few hours and will last for nearly 2 days as Son-Tinh lingers in the region. As much as 200mm of rain are possible with isolated amounts of up to 300mm as we move into the next 24 to 48 hours. Flooding and landslides are highly likely so please prepare!

We'll have another update later this afternoon. Stay safe!
________________________________________________
Issued (0030 UTC) 830am PhT 102812