Tropical storm Wipha formed from a tropical depression east of the Philippines early on July 18, according to Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 72 hours. By 1 am on July 19, it is projected to move northwest at around 20 km/h, with sustained winds of 62–74 km/h and gusts up to 102 km/h.
By early July 20, Wipha is likely to shift west-northwest and enter the East Sea, strengthening further to level 10, with gusts reaching level 12.
The storm is forecast to maintain a steady west-northwest track over the following three to five days, moving at around 20 km/h.
If it continues on this path toward mainland Vietnam, heavy rainfall is expected from July 20 to 25 across northern provinces and areas from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An.
Authorities have advised coastal residents, local governments, and maritime forces to monitor the storm’s developments closely and prepare for possible impacts.
