27 Oct 2024 | 12:47 AM UTC
South China Sea: Tropical Storm Trami tracking westward in the South China Sea toward central Vietnam early Oct. 27 /update 8
TS Trami tracking westward in the South China Sea early Oct. 27. 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. 27 towards central Vietnam. As of 04:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 194 km (121 miles) 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. 27. Trami will probably turn to track southwestward and make landfall over far southeastern Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, late Oct. 27. After landfall, the storm will likely make a sharp turn to track south-southwestward over Da Nang Province through the afternoon of Oct. 28 before weakening into a tropical depression. Trami will probably turn gradually to track northeastward over northern Quang Nam Province and exit back into the South China Sea early Oct. 29. The system is forecast to weaken further as it tracks eastward then southeastward away from Vietnam through early Nov. 1. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Oct. 27, the China Meteorological Administration is maintaining a blue typhoon warning (lowest level on a four-tier scale) for Trami, warning of heavy rainfall over the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong and most of Hainan Island and strong winds over the western coastal areas of Guangdong, the coastal areas of Guangxi and the coastal areas of Hainan Island.
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 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 60 cm (23 inches) are possible between Quang Binh to Quang Nam provinces Oct. 27-28 and 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 25 cm (10 inches) expected in Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh provinces and the northern Central Highlands.
Authorities in Quang Binh and Quang Nam provinces, Vietnam have banned all coastal activities until the storm passes. Quang Tri Province has called for the return of all fishing vessels. Authorities have suspended operations at Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) and Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) Oct. 27 as well as Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and Chu Lai Airport (VCL) Oct. 27-early Oct. 28.
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.
