Typhoon Nesat Update #17

Typhoon Nesat has accelerated to the northwest and could make landfall in Hainan later tonight! It was last located approximately 380km south southwest of Hong Kong or about 280km east southeast of Haikou, Hainan. Nesat remains a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 120kph gusting to 165kph. Nesat is moving west northwestward at 20kph.

IR Image shows the vigorous convective activity with nice banding that surrounds the center.

IR from NRLMRY

Based on the latest data, Nesat is expected to make landfall on the northeastern coast of Hainan, approximately 50km east of Haikou. It could still intensify before landfall although it likely will not exceed Cat 1 status.

Hong Kong, despite being more than 300km away from the center is currently experiencing tropical storm conditions with squally rain showers. Image below from Hong Kong Observatory shows the rainbands just south of the area.

Hainan is also beginning to feel the outer rain bands from Nesat. Conditions will begin deteriorating over the next few hours, with the strongest of winds being felt later this afternoon and into the night. Please be wary of potential storm surges as well.

Radar Image from HKO, for more images click HERE

This latest radar image from CMA shows the rain bands from Nesat now moving into Hainan. Widespread light to moderate rains with pockets of heavy rain could bring rainfall amounts of up to 250mm or more in 24 hours.

Radar from CMA, for more images click HERE

Nesat will continue moving northwestward and turn more to the west. It will pass through the northern portions of Hainan and affecting much of the province, including Leizhou Peninsula in Southern China. It will then exit into Gulf of Tonkin early Friday morning. Nesat is forecast to make another landfall, this time in Northeastern Vietnam by late Friday evening.

We'll have more update later today.
_______________________________________
Issued (22 UTC) 6am PhT 092911