Vietnam: Typhoon Yagi tracking west-northwestward over northeastern Vietnam after making landfall over Quang Ninh Province Sept. 7 /update 9

Typhoon Yagi is tracking west-northwestward over Quang Ninh Province Sept. 7 after making landfall in the past few hours. As of 13:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 104 km (65 miles) east of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks west-northwestward across northern Vietnam through early Sept. 8 before weakening further and dissipating as it tracks over far northern Laos and into southern Yunnan Province in China Sept. 8-9. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of Sept. 7, the Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of strong winds in coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa and inland areas of northeastern Vietnam. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across parts of northern Vietnam through at least Sept. 9, with rainfall totals of 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) expected and isolated higher amounts of over 40 cm (16 inches) possible. Strong wind gusts and tornadoes may accompany storms. Rough seas are likely over the coastal regions, with waves of up to 4 meters (13 feet) possible. Coastal areas from Ninh Binh to Quang Ninh provinces should be on guard against storm surges around 0.5-1.5 meters (1.6-4.9 feet) high.

The China Meteorological Administration is maintaining a red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy to torrential rain is likely across parts of western and southern Guangxi, southwestern Guangdong, southwestern Guizhou, Hainan, and southeastern Yunnan through Sept. 8. The heaviest rainfall of 25-40 cm (10-16 inches) is likely over southwestern Guangxi and southeastern Yunnan. Strong winds are forecast over coastal areas of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces. Orange rainstorm, blue severe convective weather, and orange and yellow landslide warnings are also in place over parts of far southern China.

Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of people in northeastern Vietnam ahead of the storm's approach. Roads have been closed in coastal cities and provinces through 20:00 Sept. 7 and residents across northern parts of Vietnam have been advised to seek shelter during the passing of the storm. Van Don (VDO), Cat Bi International (HPH), Noi Bai International (HAN), and Tho Xuan (THD) airports suspended flight operations Sept. 7. More than 300 flights will be canceled due to the closures and disruptions are also possible at Vinh International Airport (VII), Dien Bien Airport (DIN), and Dong Hoi Airport (VDH). Authorities in Hai Phong ordered all vessels to safely move to their anchorage locations by the afternoon of Sept. 6. Travel agencies in Vietnam canceled tours in Ha Long and Lan Ha bays. Hanoi Railway Transport JSC has announced several train services will be suspended between Hanoi and Hai Phong Sept. 7-8. Metro and public bus services have been suspended in Hanoi Sept. 7. Widespread power outages have been reported in parts of Quang Ning and neighboring Hai Phong and Thai Binh provinces as the storm moved over the coast.

The storm previously made landfall over Hainan Island near Wenchang around 16:00 Sept. 6. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated across Hainan and Guangdong provinces ahead of the storm's approach and many transport, businesses, and other services were suspended; normal operations are generally beginning to resume Sept. 7, but protracted delays are possible in some areas. Authorities have reported at least three fatalities and nearly 100 others injured as of Sept. 7. More than 830,000 households in Hainan Province lost power during the passing of the storm. Damage assessments are ongoing in the region and it may take some time before the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.