Tropical Storm Fengshen Update #4 (FINAL)

Issued (0430 UTC) 1230pm PhT 090914
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Tropical Storm Fengshen is starting to undergo extra-tropical transition as it moves away from Japan. The system was last located approximately 480km southeast of Tokyo. Maximum sustained winds are at 110kph with gusts of up to 140kph. TS Fengshen is moving northeastward at 30kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

 
Latest satellite image shows ample convective activity in and around the circulation. Wind analysis also reveal winds remain just below typhoon-strength near the low-level center. However, Fengshen is starting to show signs of extra-tropical transition. The system is now interacting with the baroclinic zone in the North Pacific and could completely become an extra-tropical cyclone by tomorrow.

Tropical Storm Fengshen will continue pulling away from Japan and move towards the North Pacific in the next few days as an extra-tropical low.

This is the final update for Fengshen, no other Tropical Cyclones are expected to form in the Western Pacific in the next 2 to 3 days.

Tropical Storm Fengshen Update #3

Issued (0330 UTC) 1130am PhT 090814
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Tropical Storm Fengshen continues to intensify this morning as it moves south of Japan. The system was last located approximately 580km south southeast of Osaka. Maximum sustained winds are now at 100kph with gusts of up to 130kph. TS Fengshen is currently moving east northeastward at 30kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows convective banding wrapping tighter around the low-level center. Further analysis suggest the eyewall continuing to develop which is a sign of further intensification. Fengshen is located in an area of slightly favorable environment with warm sea surface temperatures and good poleward outflow.

Tropical Storm Fengshen will continue to move east northeastward and could intensify into a Typhoon by tomorrow. The system should stay well south of Japan and shouldn't bring any adverse impacts across the mainland. However, light rain showers and high waves will still be felt along the southern coast of Honshu.

We'll have another update later today.

Tropical Storm Fengshen Update #2

Issued (15 UTC) 11pm PhT 090714
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Tropical Storm Fensghen has slightly intensified today as it continues to move south of Mainland Japan. The system was last located approximately 700km southwest of Osaka. Maximum sustained winds are now at 85kph with gusts of up to 110kph. TS Fengshen is moving east northeastward at 30kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

 
Latest satellite image shows Fengshen consolidating even more today with tight banding surrounding the low-level center. Convective activity remains strong as well as the system is aided by good poleward outflow. Further intensification is likely and Fengshen could even become a Typhoon in the next 2 days.

Tropical Storm Fengshen is forecast to stay away from Mainland Japan. However, rain showers may still impact the southern half of Honshu. Furthermore, the threat of high waves will remain especially along the southern coast. Fengshen will continue moving east northeastward into the North Pacific.

Tropical Storm Fengshen Update #1

Issued (03 UTC) 11am PhT 090714
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After nearly a month of inactivity, a new Tropical Cyclone has formed in the Western Pacific Basin. Tropical Storm Fengshen has formed from a low-pressure area and is currently affecting the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. The system was last located approximately 290km northeast of Okinawa. Maximum sustained winds are at 65kph with gusts of up to 85kph. TS Fengshen is moving northeastward at 30kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows Fensghen moving near the island of Amami. The system has slightly intensified as the low-level center has consolidated aided by good poleward outflow. Further intensification is possible as sea surface temperatures are still supportive of cyclone development.

Tropical Storm Fengshen will continue moving quickly to the northeast. Rains across the Ryukyu Islands will continue through this evening. Rains will shift north towards Shikoku and parts of Honshu. Fengshen will continue to bring unsettled weather over the next 2 to 3 days.

We'll have another update later this evening.