According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, in the early hours of November 3, the storm’s centre was located east of central Philippines, packing maximum sustained winds at level 11 (103-117km/h) and gusts at level 14. It was moving west at about 30km/h.
By the morning of November 4, Kalmaegi is expected to remain east of central Philippines with winds strengthening to level 12 and gusts at level 15, and may continue to intensify. Over the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to keep moving west at around 20km/h.
On November 5, Kalmaegi will enter the East Sea as the 13th storm of the year, with winds at level 12 and gusts at level 15.
After entering the East Sea, the storm is projected to continue intensifying. By the morning of November 6, Kalmaegi will be over the central East Sea, likely reaching level 13 with gusts at level 17.
From 72 to 120 hours ahead, the storm is expected to track west-northwest at 20-25km/h and may strengthen further.
Most international meteorological agencies predict the storm will intensify after crossing the Philippines.
Hong Kong forecasters expect winds of 140-145km/h as the storm nears the mainland from Danang to Gia Lai, while Japan’s weather agency projects winds of around 144km/h.
The US Navy forecasts Kalmaegi could peak at about 194km/h over the central East Sea before weakening as it approaches land.
From the afternoon of November 4, strong winds of level 6-7, increasing to level 8-9, will affect the eastern waters of the central East Sea; areas near the storm centre may see winds of level 10-12 and gusts of level 14-15, with waves 5-7m high, causing very rough seas.
Between November 5-6, the central East Sea (including the Truong Sa or Spratly Archipelago) and offshore areas from Danang to Khanh Hoa may experience winds of level 12-14, gusting above level 17, with waves 8-10m high. Seas will be extremely rough.
All vessels and offshore structures in the danger zone will face severe thunderstorms, gales and high waves.
