According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, on the evening of September 26, Bualoi entered the eastern area of the central East Sea and was named the tenth storm of 2025.

As of 7 PM, the storm’s center was located approximately 900 km southeast of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago. Maximum sustained winds near the center reached Category 11-12 (103-133 km/h), with gusts up to Category 15. The storm was moving in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 30-35 km/h.

Experts note that Bualoi is an unusually fast-moving typhoon, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h - double the average - making it a rare occurrence.

Over the next 24 hours, Storm No. 10 is expected to maintain a west-northwest direction, moving at 35 km/h and likely intensifying. By 4 PM on September 27, the storm’s center is projected to be near the Hoang Sa Archipelago, with wind speeds at Category 12 and gusts up to Category 15.

In the subsequent 24 hours, the storm will continue in the same direction at 25-30 km/h and is forecast to grow stronger. By 4 PM on September 28, its center will be over the sea area from Nghe An to Hue, reaching Category 13 with gusts up to Category 16 - a very strong storm.

In the 24 hours following that, the storm is expected to continue west-northwest at 20-25 km/h, gradually weakening into a tropical depression. By 4 PM on September 29, it is forecast to be over northern Laos, with wind speeds at Category 6 and gusts up to Category 8.

Between 72 and 84 hours from now, the tropical depression will continue moving west-northwest at 20-25 km/h and weaken into a low-pressure area.

Meteorologists note that although Bualoi entered the East Sea with lower intensity than Ragasa, its impact on land is likely to be greater. This is a powerful storm with a wide reach and could lead to a compound disaster including strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation.

Waves reaching 10 meters, torrential rains from the north to Hue

Forecasts show that during the night of September 28 and into September 29, the storm will make landfall in the area between Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh. Its landfall intensity is expected to be comparable to that of Storm No. 5 (Kajiki).

Specifically, from the afternoon of September 28, inland areas from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri will experience increasing winds at Category 6-7, later rising to Category 8-9. Areas near the storm’s center could reach Category 10-12 (strong enough to uproot trees, damage homes and power lines, and cause heavy destruction), with gusts up to Category 14. Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh and from southern Quang Tri to Hue will experience increasing winds of Category 6-7 (causing swaying trees and difficult movement), with gusts up to Category 8-9.

Between September 28 and 30, northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue may experience widespread heavy rainfall, totaling 100-300 mm, with some areas exceeding 400 mm. Particularly, the Red River Delta and areas from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh may receive 200-400 mm, with localized areas seeing over 600 mm.

Along with heavy rainfall, rivers from northern Vietnam through Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri may face a new wave of flooding. Water levels could reach Flood Alert Levels 1-2, and some areas may exceed Alert Level 3.

The meteorological agency warns that specific rainfall patterns will depend on the storm’s path from September 28-30. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts.

Due to Typhoon Bualoi’s effects, the northern and central East Sea - including the Hoang Sa Archipelago - will experience strong winds of Category 6-7, increasing to Category 8-9. Near the storm’s center, winds may reach Category 10-13, with gusts up to Category 16. Waves will be 6-8 meters high, with peak wave heights of 8-10 meters near the storm’s center, causing extremely rough seas.

By the evening of September 27, seas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai (including Hon Ngu, Con Co, and Ly Son islands) will see winds of Category 6-7, gusting to Category 8-9, with waves of 3-5 meters. From early morning on September 28, winds will increase to Category 8-9, and areas near the storm’s center may reach Category 10-13 with gusts up to Category 16. Waves could reach 5-7 meters, and seas will become extremely rough.

By early morning on September 28, the northern Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vi, Van Don, Co To, Cat Hai, and Hon Dau) will experience increasing winds of Category 6-7, later intensifying to Category 8-9 with gusts up to Category 11 and waves of 3-5 meters, creating highly turbulent conditions.

Experts have warned that vessels operating in the danger zone will face a high risk of thunderstorms, tornadoes, strong winds, and large waves. Mariners must take proactive measures to seek safe shelter.

Bao Anh