11 Nov 2024 | 03:02 PM UTC
South China Sea: Tropical Storm Yinxing tracking southwestward toward south-central Vietnam as of late Nov. 11 /update 9
TS Yinxing tracking southwestward in the South China Sea late Nov. 11. Landfall forecast over Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, morning Nov. 12.
Tropical Storm Yinxing is tracking southwestward in the western South China Sea toward south-central Vietnam Nov. 11. As of 19:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 206 km (128 miles) east of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks southwestward over the South China Sea late Nov. 11-early Nov. 12 before making landfall over Binh Dinh Province during the morning Nov. 12. After landfall, Yingxing is expected to weaken further and dissipate as it tracks southwestward into Gia Lai Province Nov. 12. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Nov. 11, the Vietnam National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a storm warning advising that rough seas and strong winds are expected over coastal waters from Thua Thien Hue to Binh Dinh provinces. Heavy rainfall warnings are also in place across central Vietnam, although these are not exclusively linked to Yinxing. Rainfall totals of 7-15 cm (2.8-5.9 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 25 cm (9.8 inches) are forecast between Thua Thien Hue and Phu Yen provinces late Nov. 11-late Nov. 12 and totals of 4-9 cm (1.6-3.5 inches) with localized higher amounts of 18 cm (7.1 inches) expected over the Central Highlands.
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. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast 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.
