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At 8:00 AM on July 22 in Do Son ward, Hai Phong, strong winds and crashing waves were observed. Photo: The Bang

At approximately 7:00 AM today, Storm No. 3 (Wipha) made landfall along the coastal region between Hai Phong and Ninh Binh with peak winds weakening to level 9 (75–88 km/h) and gusts reaching level 12. Many areas in the Red River Delta, northern coastal provinces, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 7:00 AM on July 22, the storm’s center was positioned just off the coast between Hai Phong and Ninh Binh. It was moving west-southwest at a speed of about 15 km/h.

In the northern coastal and lowland areas, as well as Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, moderate to heavy rain is occurring, with rainfall ranging from 70 to 150 mm and exceeding 200 mm in some locations.

The storm is expected to move inland through southern Hai Phong and Ninh Binh after 10:00 AM today, maintaining winds around level 9 with gusts at levels 10–11. As it penetrates further inland, wind strength will reduce to levels 6–7 with gusts up to level 8.

After making landfall, Wipha will continue moving west-southwest at a speed of 10–15 km/h and gradually weaken into a tropical depression and eventually a low-pressure area over northern Laos.

Due to the storm’s circulation, the northern Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vi, Co To, Van Don, Cat Hai, and Hon Dau) will experience winds at levels 6–7, near the storm’s center levels 8–9 with gusts up to level 12. Wave heights are expected to reach 2–4 meters, and 3–5 meters near the storm center. The sea will be extremely rough.

In the southern Gulf of Tonkin (Hon Ngu area), winds will range from levels 6–7, reaching level 8 near the storm center, with gusts up to level 11. Wave heights will reach 2–4 meters, creating dangerous sea conditions.

On land, provinces from Quang Ninh to Nghe An will see winds at levels 6–7, with areas near the storm center experiencing levels 8–9 and gusts up to level 12. Deeper inland areas such as Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa will experience winds at level 6 with gusts reaching levels 7–8.

Between July 22 and 23, the Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An are expected to receive very heavy rainfall between 100–200 mm, with some areas exceeding 300 mm. Other regions in the north and Ha Tinh will see moderate to heavy rain, generally 50–100 mm, and over 150 mm in localized spots.

There is a significant warning for intense rainfall exceeding 150 mm within three hours, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous regions, and urban or lowland flooding.

Meteorological authorities strongly advise that marine and coastal weather conditions are extremely dangerous and unsafe for all vessels and structures. Fishing boats, floating cages, aquaculture farms, and coastal infrastructure face high risks of being overturned or destroyed due to strong winds, thunderstorms, large waves, and storm surges.

Bao Anh