Tropical Storm Mitag Brings Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds to China
Tropical Storm Mitag was bearing down on China Friday evening, Hong Kong time, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s latest advisory. The storm’s powerful winds and heavy rainfall are expected to cause significant damage and disruption to the region. As reported by the National Hurricane Center, Mitag’s forecast wind speeds and direction indicate a high risk of flash flooding and power outages.
Forecast Wind Speeds and Direction
The National Hurricane Center’s forecast data shows that Mitag’s wind speeds are expected to reach up to 60 mph, with sustained winds of 58 mph or more predicted to arrive in select cities. According to the center’s analysis, there is a 50% chance that damaging winds will arrive before the “most likely” time, and a 10% chance that they will arrive before the “earliest reasonable” time. The storm’s direction is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas well inland and away from the storm’s center, with flash flooding a major concern.
Where Will It Rain?
Flash flooding can occur well inland and away from the storm’s center, even with weaker storms. The National Weather Service warns that excessive rainfall can flood low-lying areas, causing significant damage and disruption. The 1-day forecast precipitation map shows the areas most at risk of heavy rainfall, with data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicating a high risk of flash flooding.
Tracking Mitag’s Rainfall
When a storm comes close enough to land, signals from the United States radar network will begin to bounce off the rainfall within the tropical cyclone, making it easier to locate the more intense section of the storm and the heaviest rainfall. During hurricanes, the storm’s center will be the area on radar void of rain, called an eye, and completely encircled by the most intense winds and rain, called the eye wall. Spiraling out from the center will be bands of rain that vary in intensity. According to the NOAA, satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size, and cohesion of a storm, with the stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center.
Risk of Rip Currents
Rip currents, even from distant storms, are the third-highest cause of death related to hurricanes, after inland flooding from excessive rain and storm surges, according to the Weather Service. This year, the Hurricane Center has started providing rip current forecasts, which can help warn people of the dangers of these powerful currents. The National Weather Service warns that rip currents can be deadly, and it is essential to check the forecast before engaging in any water activities.
Tracking Power Outages
The damaging winds from Mitag have caused power outages along the storm’s path, with the share of customers without power expected to increase as the storm continues to move inland. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm’s powerful winds are expected to cause significant damage to power lines and other infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages.
What Does the Storm Look Like from Above?
Satellite imagery can provide valuable insights into the strength, size, and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it. According to the NOAA, satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size, and cohesion of a storm, with the stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center.
Typhoon Season and Its Impact
Typhoon season is year-round, however, most typhoons form from early July through mid-December. Typhoons have hit U.S. territories, causing billions of dollars in devastating damage to places like Guam, which was battered by Super Typhoon Mawar in May 2023. The Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan are also at risk of being hit by typhoons, which can bring damaging winds and storm surges. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is essential to be prepared for the risks associated with typhoons and to follow the latest forecast and warnings.
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