Tropical Storm Koto Brings Heavy Rainfall to the South China Sea
Koto, a tropical storm, was located in the South China Sea on Sunday evening, Indochina Time, according to the latest advisory from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. As the storm continues to move, residents in the region can expect heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding, even in areas far from the storm’s center.
Forecast Wind Speeds and Direction
The storm’s trajectory and wind speeds will be closely monitored by weather experts, who will provide updates on the potential impact on coastal areas. The National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center will release regular advisories, including forecast wind speeds and direction, to help residents prepare for the storm.
Where Will It Rain?
Flash flooding can occur well inland and away from the storm’s center, and even weaker storms can produce excessive rainfall that can flood low-lying areas. The National Weather Service will provide updates on precipitation forecasts, including the 1-day forecast, to help residents prepare for potential flooding.
Tracking Koto’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.
What Does the Storm Look Like from Above?
Satellite imagery can help determine 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. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Japanese Meteorological Agency provide satellite imagery to help track the storm’s progression.
Typhoon Season: A Year-Round Threat
Typhoon season is year-round; however, most typhoons form from early July through mid-December. The Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan are among the most affected countries, but the Korean Peninsula, China, and Vietnam can also be hit, bringing damaging winds and storm surges. In recent years, typhoons have also hit U.S. territories, causing billions of dollars in devastating damage, such as Super Typhoon Mawar, which battered Guam in May 2023.
Sources and Notes
The tracking data is from the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Satellite imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Japanese Meteorological Agency via the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere. Precipitation data for multi-day forecasts or observed rainfall totals are from the National Weather Service, and the 1-day forecast is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Image Source: www.nytimes.com
