Philippine Sea – Super Typhoon Usagi: WOW. This little typhoon exploded in intensity over the last 24 hours going from 75 mph to 160 mph making this a category 5 storm. Fortunately, this is a very small storm with regards to hurricane force winds, but none the less impressive on the satellite image above with the classic stadium eye wall.
At 1500 UTC, Usagi was located 18.5 north, 126.9 east or approximately 430 miles east-northeast of Manila, Philippines and tracking to the northwest at 10 mph and is expected to take northwest-westward track over the next 48 hours. On Saturday, Usagi is expected to pass southern Taiwan to the south without making landfall; the coastal sections may get typhoon strength winds.
Current maximum winds have increased to 160 mph with higher gusts, making this a category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale and the storm could intensify slightly before weakening as it approaches Taiwan. Typhoon strength winds extend out only 50 miles from the center while tropical storm force winds extend out 120 miles from the center of the storm.
Extended forecast – After passing Taiwan, Usagi is expected to take more westward track and make landfall near Hong Kong as a category 2 storm on Sunday / Monday. For southern China, expect heavy rains, damaging winds and travel disruptions Sunday and Monday.
Threats & Damages:
Both northern Luzon and southern Taiwan can expect heavy rains triggering flash flooding. Also for southern and southeastern coastal Taiwan, a storm surge of up to 8 feet is possible flooding the coastal regions.
At 1500 UTC, Usagi was located 18.5 north, 126.9 east or approximately 430 miles east-northeast of Manila, Philippines and tracking to the northwest at 10 mph and is expected to take northwest-westward track over the next 48 hours. On Saturday, Usagi is expected to pass southern Taiwan to the south without making landfall; the coastal sections may get typhoon strength winds.
Current maximum winds have increased to 160 mph with higher gusts, making this a category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale and the storm could intensify slightly before weakening as it approaches Taiwan. Typhoon strength winds extend out only 50 miles from the center while tropical storm force winds extend out 120 miles from the center of the storm.
Extended forecast – After passing Taiwan, Usagi is expected to take more westward track and make landfall near Hong Kong as a category 2 storm on Sunday / Monday. For southern China, expect heavy rains, damaging winds and travel disruptions Sunday and Monday.
Threats & Damages:
Both northern Luzon and southern Taiwan can expect heavy rains triggering flash flooding. Also for southern and southeastern coastal Taiwan, a storm surge of up to 8 feet is possible flooding the coastal regions.