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Tropical Storm Leepi continues to affect the Miyako Islands of Japan. The storm has also left the Philippine Area of Responsibility earlier this morning. TS Leepi was last located approximately 120km north northwest of Miyako-jima or about 300km west southwest of Okinawa. Maximum sustained winds are at 65kph with gusts of up to 85kph. TS Leepi is moving northward at 25kph.
VIS Image from NRLMRY
Latest visible satellite image shows that Leepi is starting to feel the effects of the increase in wind shear. Convective activity is now more confined on the southern semi-circle with the low-level center becoming slightly exposed. We are also seeing multiple vortices forming and rotating around Leepi's true center.
Radar Image from JMA
Leepi moved near the Miyako Islands earlier this morning bringing gusty winds and moderate rains. Many stations in the islands have reported seeing winds of up to 100kph along with rainfall amounts of 50 to even 80mm. Most of the bands are now moving away from Miyako although residual rains may still impact the region. Meanwhile, Okinawa should start seeing isolated rain showers beginning this afternoon. For the latest rainfall reports and radar images out of Japan, click HERE (JMA Website).
Tropical Storm Leepi will move just west of Okinawa later this afternoon. The system is forecast to start accelerating and turning more to the northeast as it rounds the sub-tropical ridge. Leepi is also forecast to move very near the Kyushu Island by Friday morning. By then, the system should begin transitioning into an extra-tropical cyclone as it interacts with the baroclinic zone.
We'll have another update later tonight.
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