At 1 pm on September 26, the storm packed winds of 103-117 km/h, gusting up to 150 km/h, while moving over the central Philippines.
Forecasts show Bualoi traveling west-northwest at a speed of 35-40 km/h, nearly twice as fast as an average typhoon. It is expected to enter the East Sea late on September 26 as the season’s 10th typhoon.
By September 28, the storm could intensify to level 13, gusting level 16, over the northern and central East Sea near the Paracel Islands and offshore areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai.
On September 29, Bualoi is forecast to weaken to level 8-9, gusting level 11, as it impacts the Paracels, offshore Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai, and the northern Gulf of Tonkin including Bach Long Vi, Van Don, Co To, Cat Hai and Hon Dau.
Heavy rain is forecast for Thanh Hoa to Danang during September 28-29.
Meteorologists warn that 2-4 more storms or tropical depressions could develop over the East Sea before year-end, with 1-2 potentially affecting Vietnam, mainly in the central region.
