NAHA - Typhoon No. 12 (Noul) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is forecast to make landfall in southern China on Sunday, July 26, while swells generated by the storm bring high waves to Okinawa's Sakishima Islands.
The typhoon is moving west-northwest along the southwestern edge of the Pacific high-pressure system and is expected to continue on broadly the same course across the South China Sea.
Satellite images showed a clearly visible swirl of clouds between Taiwan and the Philippines. Maximum sustained winds reached 30 meters per second as of 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, and the storm had developed a storm-force wind zone.
The typhoon is expected to strengthen further as it moves west-northwest, with maximum sustained winds forecast to reach 35 meters per second near the southern coast of China by 3 a.m. on Sunday. It is expected to maintain that intensity before making landfall later in the day.
The projected path would take the storm ashore east of Hong Kong, raising the possibility of severe weather in and around the territory. Residents and travelers have been advised to monitor the latest forecasts because conditions will depend on the typhoon's exact course and degree of development.
Typhoon No. 10 recently made landfall in southern China and caused extensive damage. Typhoon No. 12 is currently forecast to follow a track slightly farther east.
The typhoon is expected to remain far enough from Okinawa to avoid a direct impact, with no significant increase in rain or wind currently forecast. However, swells from the storm are reaching the prefecture.
Wave heights of 2 to 3 meters are forecast around the Sakishima Islands on Saturday. Because the waves will be accompanied by swells, conditions may become dangerous along coastlines and at sea.
People planning to swim, surf, boat or take part in other marine activities should avoid taking unnecessary risks, follow local swimming restrictions and remain alert to rip currents and unexpectedly large waves.
Source: ウェザーニュース
