11 Sep 2018 | 05:25 AM UTC
China/Vietnam: Tropical Storm Barijat to bring heavy rain beginning Sep. 12
Tropical Storm Barijat moves toward southern China and northern Vietnam, following Bebinca’s approximate path; heavy rain and strong winds expected beginning September 12
Event
Chinese authorities issued a Typhoon Signal No. 1 (lowest warning level) at 10:40 (local time) on Tuesday, September 11, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Barijat. The cyclone is currently inundating Taiwan with heavy rain and has changed paths to head west toward southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan). Its effects are likely to be felt in the Pearl River delta region as well, including Macau and Hong Kong, beginning Wednesday, September 12. The storm's center is expected to pass through the Leizhou peninsula before entering the Gulf of Tonkin and making landfall north of Halong Bay (Vietnam).
Barijat is forecast to follow a similar path to Tropical Storm Bebinca that hit the region in early and mid-August, bringing heavy flooding and killing at least ten people in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam has experienced a large amount of rainfall and flooding in recent weeks and the incoming storm will likely exacerbate existing conditions. Barijat is also forecast to be followed by Severe Typhoon Mangkhut, which is expected to arrive in the Taiwan and Hong Kong region over the weekend of September 14 and 15.
As of 08:00 on Tuesday, Barijat is located 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Taiwan and moving west at 22 km/h (14 mph). It is producing sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and expected to strengthen to winds of 83 km/h (52 mph) by the morning of Thursday, September 13, just before making landfall on the Leizhou peninsula.
Context
Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the western Pacific and South China Sea from June through November.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
