Sonamu upgraded to a Severe Tropical Storm

2013 Hurricane & Cyclone Season

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Sonamu has been upgraded to a Severe Tropical Storm

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 January, 2013 : - - Sonamu has been upgraded to a Severe Tropical Storm by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The storm continues to move across the South China Sea staying south of Vietnam. While the system has intensified, it is still encountering moderate to strong wind shear which is leaving the low-level center partially exposed.

Heavy rains and strong winds remain offshore although light rains may affect Southern Vietnam tonight and into tomorrow. The threat of high waves spawned by Sonamu’s circulation also exist along the coast.

Sonamu is forecast to begin weakening tomorrow (Sunday) or by Monday as it heads towards the Malay Peninsula. It should weaken to a Tropical Depression before making landfall near Thailand/Malaysia border.
 

                                                         IR satellite image : NRLMRY

The Tropics remain very active with two potential disturbances brewing along the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. The image above shows the location of those disturbances. The trail of convection running eastward from the Philippines is the ITCZ. While there isn’t any imminent development, computer models continue to hint of a cyclone developing by early next week which could pose a threat to the Philippines.

Hurricanes, Cyclones Typhoons:

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Central Pacific Hurricane Center (NOAA) 
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Source: Meteo Services

Compiled by: SV Editors

Tags: Cyclones, Hurricanes, Typhoons,  

Environment: Surfersvillage