This afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on September 19, Typhoon Soulik (Typhoon No. 4) is expected to make landfall in the central provinces of Quang Binh and Quang Tri. 

The storm is bringing winds of up to Category 8 (62-74 km/h), with gusts reaching Category 10-11 (89-117 km/h). Heavy rains are forecast to continue across the provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Ha Tinh.

At 11:40 a.m. today, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported that the eye of Typhoon Soulik was located off the coast of Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue, with winds near the center of the storm reaching 62-88 km/h and gusts of up to 117 km/h.

According to Mai Van Khiem, Director of NCHMF, the storm will make landfall between Quang Binh and Quang Tri later this afternoon. Coastal areas from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue are expected to experience winds stronger than Category 6, while rainfall in these regions will continue into the afternoon, gradually decreasing afterward.

Khiem also warned that the storm’s circulation would bring widespread heavy rain to the northern and central provinces of Vietnam, particularly in the areas from northern Thua Thien Hue to Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Ha Tinh. Rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day and into the night, with the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas to the west.

The NCHMF recorded significant rainfall overnight and into this morning, with some areas experiencing torrential downpours. In Da Nang’s Hoa Bac, rainfall reached 166mm, while Bach Ma in Thua Thien Hue received 309mm, and Huong Phu recorded 270mm.

By 4 p.m. today, the center of the storm is expected to be over the Quang Binh-Quang Tri border, with winds reaching Category 8, and gusts up to Category 10-11.

Due to the effects of Typhoon Soulik, the coastal regions from Nghe An to Da Nang, including the island districts of Con Co and Hon Ngu, are forecast to experience winds of 39-61 km/h, with waves reaching 2-4 meters. In areas near the storm’s center, winds could reach 62-88 km/h, and gusts of up to 117 km/h, with waves as high as 5 meters, leading to dangerously rough seas.

Additionally, strong southwestern winds are affecting the seas from Binh Dinh to Ca Mau, the southern part of the central East Sea, and the southern East Sea, including the Spratly Islands. These areas will see winds of 39-61 km/h, with gusts of 62-88 km/h, and waves of 3-5 meters.

On land, areas from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue are experiencing strong winds of Category 6-7, with gusts reaching Category 10-11 near the typhoon's path. Deep inland regions continue to report gusts of Category 6-7. Residents are advised to stay alert for severe weather conditions, including falling trees and potential damage to structures from flying debris.

Meteorologists have issued warnings about the formation of strong thunderstorm clouds ahead of the typhoon's circulation. Heavy thunderstorms are expected to bring down trees, dislodge rooftops, and scatter billboards, posing significant risks to safety.

From September 19 to 20, the Northern and Central regions will continue to experience heavy to very heavy rains, with rainfall amounts ranging from 100-300 mm and localized areas receiving over 500 mm. There is a high risk of extreme downpours exceeding 150 mm within six hours in the Quang Tri-Da Nang area on September 19.

Meanwhile, the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam are experiencing moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms, with widespread rainfall ranging from 20-40 mm and localized areas exceeding 70 mm. This heavy rainfall is leading to urban flooding in densely populated areas where drainage systems are overwhelmed.

Bao Anh