Typhoon Fanapi (Inday) Update #7

Typhoon Fanapi (Inday) is now on the cusp of becoming a category 3 typhoon. Latest observations reported maximum sustained winds of around 175kph with occasional gusts of up to 215kph; on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, the minimum requirement for a cat 3 is 178kph. Based on microwave imagery (excellent banding), the development of an eye, as well as recon reports (indicating falling central pressure), Fanapi is still intensifying. It will remain in a favorable environment just prior to landfall so we may very well see a Category 3 typhoon in the next 6-12 hours.

(As for the forecast, we have shifted the track a little bit to the south.)

Typhoon Fanapi will continue moving westward, strengthening further before making landfall just south of Hualien in Eastern Taiwan on Sunday. It will weaken to a category 1 typhoon as it crosses Taiwan. Fanapi will then make a second landfall south of Xiamen in Eastern China on Monday.

The northernmost islands of Batanes might feel gale force winds from Fanapi (Inday) beginning Sunday morning. Increased surf will also impact these islands which will make sea travel very treacherous. Occasional light to moderate rain is also likely.

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Issued (06 UTC) 2pm PST 091810