As of 4 a.m. on September 19, Typhoon Soulik, the fourth storm of 2024, was located approximately 217 km east-northeast of Da Nang and 262 km east of Quang Tri. The storm is currently at Category 8, with maximum sustained winds of 62-74 km/h and gusts reaching Category 10.

Typhoon Soulik is expected to have a broad impact, combining with the strong southwest monsoon within a tropical convergence zone. This weather system will affect the Central, Central Highlands, and Southern regions, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and dangerous gusts.

The National Meteorological Center reported that early this morning, the tropical depression in the northeastern part of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands intensified into Typhoon Soulik. By 4 a.m. today, the storm was moving west at a speed of 20 km/h.

On the sea, areas west of the northern part of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa Archipelago, and coastal waters from Nghe An to Quang Ngai, will experience winds of 39-61 km/h and waves of 2-4 meters. Near the storm's center, wind speeds will reach 62-74 km/h, with gusts up to 102 km/h, and waves reaching 5 meters, making the sea extremely rough.

Due to the strong southwest monsoon, the seas from Binh Dinh to Ca Mau, the southern part of the central East Sea, and the southern waters (including the Spratly Islands) will see winds of 39-61 km/h, waves of 3-5 meters, and rough seas.

Coastal provinces from Quang Binh to Quang Nam are advised to prepare for storm surges of 0.3-0.5 meters, which, combined with high tides, could lead to coastal erosion and flooding in low-lying areas. Vessels operating in these areas are at risk of encountering dangerous thunderstorms, strong winds, and high waves.

Inland, from the morning of September 19, coastal regions from Ha Tinh to Quang Nam will experience wind speeds of 62-74 km/h, with gusts up to 102 km/h. Inland areas will see wind gusts reaching Category 7.

Strong thunderstorm systems ahead of the storm's circulation may lead to falling trees and damage to roofs and billboards. Widespread rainfall from September 19 to 20 is expected across the North and Central regions, with amounts ranging from 100-300mm and some areas exceeding 500mm. Intense downpours of over 150mm within six hours may occur in Quang Tri and Da Nang.

In the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, heavy rain and thunderstorms are also expected, with rainfall amounts of 20-40mm and localized heavy rain exceeding 70mm.

The large volume of rain may overwhelm drainage systems in urban areas, leading to localized flooding, especially in densely populated areas.

Ly Dao