Tropical Storm Usagi Develops in Western Pacific, Threatens Taiwan and Philippines

Tropical Storm Usagi has formed in the Western Pacific and may impact Taiwan, with the Philippines on alert. The storm is moving west-northwest, with predictions suggesting potential landfall in northern Luzon, Philippines. Usagi may also affect Taiwan over the weekend, prompting the CWA to prepare for potential maritime warnings.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) of Taiwan reported the formation of Tropical Storm Usagi, which is now the fourth tropical storm to develop in the Western Pacific within a ten-day span. As of Tuesday morning, the storm had an 80-kilometer radius and was located approximately 660 kilometers northwest of the Yap Islands, with winds reaching 72 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 101 kilometers per hour. Though the storm’s current trajectory is northwest at 27 kilometers per hour, predictions indicate that it may pose a threat to Taiwan in the coming days. Forecasters suggest that by Wednesday, Usagi will be about 760 kilometers east of Manila, although its exact path remains uncertain. The CWA has indicated a possible shift in Usagi’s course, which may necessitate the issuance of maritime warnings for areas surrounding Taiwan by Thursday. There is a concern that the storm could either head into the South China Sea or directly impact waters east of Taiwan as it continues its northward movement. Meanwhile, the Philippines has taken precautions by issuing alerts in anticipation of the storm, which is locally named “Ofel.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that while the storm has not yet affected the country directly, it is expected to make landfall in northern and central Luzon by Thursday afternoon or evening. Usagi may intensify further in the coming days, with predictions suggesting it could escalate into a typhoon by Wednesday.

The formation of Tropical Storm Usagi is part of a notable weather phenomenon in the Pacific region, as it marks the occurrence of four concurrent tropical storms in November, a situation last observed in October 1994. Usagi, along with Tropical Storms Yinxing, Toraji, and Man-yi, has raised concerns regarding potential impacts on Taiwan, which remains vigilant amid varying international forecasts. Given the storm’s unusual strength and trajectory, both Taiwan and the Philippines are taking precautionary measures to safeguard their residents.

In summary, Tropical Storm Usagi’s development signifies a growing concern for both Taiwan and the Philippines, with the CWA closely monitoring its trajectory. Although landfall predictions vary, the increasing intensity of the storm warrants caution among residents in affected areas. The simultaneous presence of multiple storms in the Pacific highlights the unusual weather patterns occurring this November.

Original Source: focustaiwan.tw