Tropical depression likely to strengthen into storm number 10

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 1:00 p.m. today, December 22, the center of the tropical depression was located at about 7.6 degrees North latitude, 114.9 degrees East longitude, in the South China Sea, about 350 km East Southeast of Truong Sa archipelago.

The tropical depression is moving north at a speed of 20-25km/h. The strongest wind near the center of the depression is level 7, gusting to level 9.

In the next 24 to 48 hours, the tropical depression is forecast to move in a North-Northwest direction, traveling 15-20km per hour, with the possibility of strengthening into a storm tomorrow afternoon, December 23.

The danger zone includes the South China Sea (including the Spratly Islands), the sea area southwest of the central part of the South China Sea. Disaster risk level 3.

It is forecasted that in the next 48 to 72 hours, the storm will move in a West Southwest direction, about 10km per hour, and gradually weaken into a tropical depression.

Due to the impact of the tropical depression/storm, the South East Sea area (including the Truong Sa archipelago) and the southwestern sea area of ​​the central East Sea have strong winds of level 6-7, the area near the storm center has strong winds of level 8, gusts of level 10, waves 4-6m high; rough seas.

Ships operating at sea should closely monitor weather forecasts to know the development of tropical depressions/storms. People in coastal areas should be on guard against strong winds and large waves.