Typhoon Wipha, the third storm of the season, entered the northern Gulf of Tonkin this morning (July 21) with peak winds reaching level 9 (75–88 km/h) and gusts up to level 11. The storm is likely to strengthen further and is currently about 190km from Quang Ninh and 310km from Hai Phong.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Wipha moved past northern Leizhou Peninsula (China) early today and entered the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin.

As of 10:00 a.m., the storm’s center was located approximately 190km east of Quang Ninh, 310km east of Hai Phong, 340km from Hung Yen, and 360km from Ninh Binh to the east-northeast. It is moving west-southwest at 10–15 km/h with increasing intensity.

In the next 12 hours, the storm is expected to continue west-southwest at 10–15 km/h and may intensify further. By 10:00 p.m. tonight, it will still be over the northern Gulf of Tonkin with maximum wind speeds increasing to level 10–11 and gusts reaching level 14.

By 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (July 22), the storm will be located offshore between Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa, with sustained winds at level 10–11 and gusts up to level 14.

Over the following 24 hours, Wipha will continue moving west-southwest at 10–15 km/h and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area over northern Laos.

Strong winds and rough seas

Northwestern area of the northern East Sea: winds at level 7–8, gusts to level 10; waves 3–5 meters high; rough seas.

Northern Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vi, Co To, Van Don, Cat Hai, Hon Dau): winds at level 6–7, increasing to level 8–9. Near the storm’s center, winds may reach level 10–11 with gusts up to level 14; waves 4–6 meters; very rough seas.

Southern Gulf of Tonkin (including Hon Ngu): winds gradually rising to level 6–7. Near the storm’s center, winds at level 8–9 with gusts up to level 11; waves 2–4 meters; strong sea turbulence.

Warnings:

Storm surge warnings along coastal areas from Hung Yen to Quang Ninh:

Water levels could rise by 0.5–1.0 meters.

Expected tidal heights: Ba Lat: 2.4–2.6m | Hon Dau: 3.9–4.3m | Cua Ong: 4.6–5.0m | Tra Co: 3.6–4.0m

There is a high risk of coastal and estuarine flooding on the afternoon of July 22.

Severe impacts anticipated

Strong winds, tornadoes, large waves, and rising sea levels may damage boats, coastal structures, and aquaculture farms.

On land: Starting the night of July 21, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Nghe An may see winds at level 7–9, with gusts at level 10–11 near the storm’s center and gusts up to level 14. Inland areas such as Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa could experience winds at level 6 with gusts reaching level 7–8. Gusts at level 10–11 may topple trees, electrical poles, and tear off roofs.

Heavy rainfall warning

From July 21 to 23, the northeastern region, Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An will receive 200–350mm of rainfall, with some areas exceeding 600mm. Other areas in the northern region and Ha Tinh are expected to get 100–200mm, possibly more than 300mm in some spots.

There is a high risk of extreme rainfall (>150mm/3h), flash floods, landslides, and flooding in low-lying regions.

Disaster risk level: Level 3 for the Gulf of Tonkin, coastal and inland areas from Quang Ninh to Nghe An.

Bao Anh