The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on the evening of October 19 that the super typhoon was over the north-western Pacific and could continue strengthening in the coming days.
Over the next 24 hours, Champi is forecast to move mainly west-north-west and could reach force 17, with sustained winds of 202–220km/h and gusts above force 17.
The projected path of super typhoon Champi (Photo: Windy).
The storm is expected to maintain very strong intensity, generally at forces 16-17 with gusts above force 17, until the afternoon of October 22.
From the evening of October 22, as it approaches Taiwan, China, Champi is forecast to gradually weaken and turn north-west, shifting further towards the north.
Japan’s meteorological agency forecasts that Champi could make landfall in Taiwan around October 24 at force 15, with gusts above force 17.
Chinese and US weather agencies, meanwhile, have outlined scenarios in which the storm moves into waters north of Taiwan before heading towards Fujian and Zhejiang provinces in China.
Forecasts therefore remain divided over where the storm may make landfall. However, meteorological agencies agree that Champi is unlikely to enter the East Sea.
Despite the low likelihood of entering the East Sea, the typhoon’s circulation could still bring strong winds and high waves to its northern waters in the coming days.
Forecasters currently put the probability of Champi entering the north-eastern part of the East Sea at below 10 per cent. The likelihood of it tracking north-west towards Taiwan and China’s coastal provinces is estimated at more than 80 per cent.
Around October 21, the storm’s western circulation could affect waters in the north-eastern part of the northern East Sea, strengthening winds to force 6.
On October 23-24, north-easterly winds over the northern East Sea are forecast to reach forces 6-7, with gusts at forces 9-10 and waves of 3-5 metres. Rough seas are expected.
Vessels operating in the northern East Sea have been urged to prepare for strong winds and high waves, and to monitor weather warnings regularly to avoid danger.