The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that in the early afternoon of July 24, the centre of Storm Noul was at force 8-9, with winds of 62-88 kilometres per hour and gusts up to force 12, about 90 kilometres east-north-east of Luzon Island in the Philippines. The storm was moving west-north-west at about 25 kilometres per hour.
Noul is the 12th storm to form in the north-west Pacific this year.
Forecasters said that from tonight to the early hours of July 25, Storm Noul would move into the north-eastern part of the northern East Sea and become Storm No 2. It is then expected to make landfall in Guangdong Province, China, on July 26, with an 80 per cent probability, and is unlikely to directly affect Vietnam's mainland.
Forecast track of Storm Noul (Photo: NCHMF).
According to the meteorological agency, Storm Noul could reach a peak intensity of force 10-11, with gusts up to force 13.
From late afternoon on July 24, winds in the north-eastern waters of the northern East Sea are forecast to strengthen gradually to force 6-7, then rise to force 8-9, with waves of 3-5 metres. Areas near the storm's centre could see force 10-11 winds, gusts up to force 13 and waves of 4-6 metres, with very rough seas.
Vessels operating in the dangerous areas mentioned above are likely to face thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds and high waves.
The meteorological agency said that overnight, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Son La recorded moderate to heavy rain of 30-70mm, with some places receiving more than 70mm, including Minh Quang Commune in Tuyen Quang at 121mm, Dai Phuc Commune in Thai Nguyen at 120mm and Phu Ninh Commune in Phu Tho at 88mm.
From the morning of July 24 to July 25, northern Vietnam is forecast to continue seeing moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall generally at 40-100mm and some places exceeding 200mm.
The meteorological agency warned of a high risk of flash floods and landslides in many areas of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang and Quang Ninh.