Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Typhoon Utor Update #15

Issued (1030 UTC) 630pm PhT 081313
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Typhoon Utor continues to move towards Guangdong Province today and is already starting to impact the region. Utor was last located approximately 360km south southwest of Hong Kong or about 420km southeast of Zhanjiang. Maximum sustained winds are at 185kph with gusts of up to 230kph making Utor a Category 3 Typhoon. It is moving west northwestward at 25kph.

As of 5pm this afternoon, Hong Kong Observatory has kept the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 in effect. Meanwhile, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a Red Typhoon Warning--the highest warning for typhoons issued by CMA. Residents along the projected path of Utor should remain vigilant and to always monitor the developments and always listen to your local officials for the latest warnings!

IR Image from FNMOC


Latest satellite image shows the eye of Utor getting somewhat rugged over the past 3 hours. Nevertheless, strong convective activity remains around the center with the outer bands continue pushing outwards away from the center. We expect slight weakening tonight as Utor begins to track towards slightly cooler waters as well as increasing wind shear. However, Utor should remain as a strong Category 2 typhoon through tomorrow.

Radar from CMA


Latest radar image from China Meteorological Administration shows the extent of Utor's rain bands. Some of these rains have extended as far north as the provinces of Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian. Furthermore, rain bands are also beginning to move into Leizhou Peninsula and parts of Hainan. Hong Kong isn't spared by the rains either with as much as 100mm falling today in some locations. For the latest radar images and warnings from China, please click HERE.

Forecast Track (NOT OFFICIAL!)


Typhoon Utor is forecast to continue moving northwesterly tonight, losing some strength and getting back down to a Category 2 Typhoon by tomorrow. Utor is forecast to make landfall in Guangdong Province near the cities of Maoming and Zhanjiang by tomorrow afternoon between 2pm and 6pm local time. Utor should, then, rapidly weaken as it tracks further inland. Strong damaging winds are possible near the coast and heavy rains of up to 200mm should be expected as well. Even though Utor is weakening, it is still a dangerous typhoon and we hope you have heeded the warnings of your local government.

We'll have another update tomorrow. Stay safe!

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