The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that at 4 am on July 25, Storm Noul had entered the north-eastern waters of the northern East Sea, becoming the second storm of the season, about 580 kilometres south-east of Hong Kong, China. Winds near the eye were measured at force 10-11, or 89-117 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to force 13.
The storm is forecast to move west-north-west at about 20 kilometres per hour.
According to the meteorological agency, the storm will continue mainly on a west-north-west track at 20-25 kilometres per hour and by 4 am on July 26 will reach the coastal waters of Guangdong Province, China, where it may strengthen further to force 12 with gusts up to force 14.
It is then expected to turn north-north-west at 15-20 kilometres per hour and move inland over Guangdong Province. By 4 am on July 27, it is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression.
Forecast track of Storm Noul (Photo: Disaster monitoring system).
Under the current forecast, the second storm is expected to move mainly west-north-west and has a probability of more than 80 per cent of making landfall in Guangdong Province, China, with little chance of directly affecting mainland Vietnam.
Under the storm's influence, the north-eastern waters of the northern East Sea will see force 6-7 winds and waves of 4-6 metres. Near the storm's centre, winds will reach force 10-11 before strengthening to force 11-12, with gusts up to force 14 and waves of 5-7 metres, making seas very rough.
Vessels operating in the hazardous area face the risk of thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds and high waves.
The meteorological agency said that on July 25, the provinces of Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Thanh Hoa would continue to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall generally at 20-40mm and isolated areas receiving more than 120mm.
Elsewhere in the north and in Nghe An on July 25, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast, with rainfall of 10-20mm and isolated downpours exceeding 50mm. Heavy rain in northern areas is expected to ease gradually from the afternoon and night of July 25.
The agency warned of the risk of flash floods, landslides and ground subsidence on slopes and along small streams in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen and Cao Bang provinces.
During the day and night of July 25, areas from Ha Tinh to Danang are forecast to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall of 10-20mm and isolated areas receiving more than 50mm, mainly in the late afternoon and evening.
The Central Highlands and southern regions are expected to see rain, moderate rain and scattered thunderstorms, with rainfall of 20-40mm and isolated areas receiving heavy to very heavy rain of more than 100mm. In the coming days, the Central Highlands and the south will continue to experience rain, moderate rain, isolated heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms.
