Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across Central regions through at least Nov. 9

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central Vietnam through at least Nov. 9. As of early Nov. 9, the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a warning for localized heavy rain and thunderstorms from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai provinces. Strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and tornadoes may accompany storms. Rainfall amounts of 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 inches) with localized higher totals over 8 cm (3 inches) are likely in the region. The NCHMF has issued a level 1 warning of natural disaster risk due to tornadoes and lightning. Further moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast over central Vietnam Nov. 3, and heavy to very heavy rainfall Nov. 4-9.

Recent heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across central Vietnam brought by Tropical Storm Trami have caused casualties and damage in the region. Trami made landfall as a tropical storm over southern Thua Thien Hue Province close to Da Nang at around 10:00 ICT Oct. 27 and then stalled as it weakened into a depression over central Vietnam and southeastern Laos. Much of central Vietnam remains flooded. Reports indicate damage to coastal roads and some beachfront buildings in Thue Thien Hue and Da Nang provinces near where the storm made landfall. Hundreds of houses were damaged, and tens of thousands of others were submerged in Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, and Da Nang. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the situation and hamper recovery efforts.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.