At 4 am on September 27, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported the storm was about 580 km east-southeast of the Hoang Sa archipelago with sustained winds of 133 km/h. It is moving west-northwest at 35-40 km/h, nearly twice the speed of an average typhoon.
Forecasters warned of a wide impact zone with combined hazards of strong winds, heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and storm surges. From late September 27, seas off Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai provinces will see winds of level 6-9 and waves 3-5 metres high, rising to level 8-13 with gusts up to level 16 and waves 5-7 metres on September 28.
Northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin will also be hit with gales up to level 9 and waves of 3-5 metres. Coastal areas and islands from Ninh Binh to Ha Tinh provinces face storm surges of 1-2 metres, and up to 2 metres in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, threatening dykes, roads and river mouths on the night of September 28.
Onshore, winds will strengthen from level 6-12 in Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri provinces, gusting up to level 14, while surrounding provinces could see gusts up to level 9. Rainfall between September 28 and 30 is expected to reach 100-300 mm across the north and central provinces, locally 400 mm, with the Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh receiving 200-400 mm, in places over 600 mm.
Late last night, the Prime Minister ordered coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa and all ministries to activate maximum preparedness, stressing that protecting human life must be the top priority. Local leaders from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai were directed to safeguard vulnerable groups, ensure boats return to safe harbours, protect homes and facilities, and prepare evacuation and rescue plans.
