26 Oct 2024 | 03:47 AM UTC
South China Sea: Tropical Storm Trami tracking westward in the South China Sea away from the Philippines early Oct. 26 /update 7
TS Trami tracking westward in the South China Sea early Oct. 26. Landfall over Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, late Oct. 27.
Tropical Storm Trami (named Kristine in the Philippines) is tracking westward in the South China Sea early Oct. 26 away from the Philippines. As of 10:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 527 km (328 miles) east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken but remain at tropical storm strength as it approaches central Vietnam Oct. 26. Trami will probably turn to track south-southwestward and make landfall over southeastern Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, late Oct. 27. After landfall, the storm will likely make a sharp turn to track eastward over Da Nang Province early Oct. 28 and exit back into the South China Sea. The system is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks eastward away from Vietnam through early Oct. 31. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Oct. 26, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow typhoon warning for Trami, warning of strong winds and heavy rainfall over southern coastal areas over the coming days. Heavy rainfall is forecast over parts of southeastern Zhejiang, northeastern Fujian, and Hainan provinces Oct. 26, with the heaviest rainfall of 25-27 cm (10-10.5 inches) over southeastern Zhejiang Province.
Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a warning for the storm advising of rough seas in coastal areas and heavy rainfall across many parts of the country; rainfall totals of 30-50 cm (12 -20 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 70 cm (28 inches) are possible between Quang Tri and Quang Ngai provinces Oct. 26-28 and 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 30 cm (12 inches) expected in other parts of central and northern Vietnam.
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.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast typhoon or tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
