Typhoon Kalmaegi reached level 15 (167–183 km/h) this morning, November 6, with gusts over level 17, nearly reaching the threshold of a super typhoon. The storm is moving west-northwest at a rapid speed of 25–30 km/h.

Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, stated that the storm is likely to maintain its maximum intensity for another 4–6 hours before its western circulation begins to interact with the mainland, causing a 1–2 level drop due to friction.

“When Kalmaegi makes landfall between late afternoon and night, it is forecast to sustain level 11–13 winds, gusting to levels 15–16. This is considered extremely strong,” Khiem emphasized.

Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and northern Dak Lak face the strongest winds

Director Khiem warned that the eastern areas of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai will face particularly strong winds, very high coastal waves, and intense rainfall from this afternoon through tomorrow morning. The western mountainous regions are also under serious threat of flash floods and landslides.

As of 1 p.m. today, the storm’s center was about 190 km east-southeast of Quy Nhon (Gia Lai), with sustained winds of level 14–15 (150–183 km/h), gusting beyond level 17.

The storm continues moving west-northwest at 25–30 km/h. As of 7 p.m., its center will be near the coastal area from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, with wind strength at level 13 and gusts at level 15. It is expected to weaken gradually after moving inland.

By 1 a.m. on November 7, the storm center will be over land between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak, with wind speeds at level 8–9 and gusts reaching level 11.

Wind readings at various stations have reported escalating conditions: Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai) experienced level 7 winds with gusts to level 9; Dung Quat (Quang Ngai) level 6, gusting to level 8; Phu Cat (Gia Lai) level 7, gusting to level 10; and Hoi An (Da Nang) level 8, gusting to level 9.

Storm surge and wave warnings for coastal and island areas

Storm Kalmaegi is causing violent seas in the western central East Sea, with wind levels of 8–12; areas near the eye of the storm reaching levels 13–15, with gusts beyond 17. Waves could reach 6–8 meters, and 9–11 meters near the eye.

Coastal areas from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa (including Ly Son and Cu Lao Cham islands) will see increasing winds from levels 7–8 to levels 9–12. Areas near the storm’s center may experience gusts over level 17 and waves as high as 10 meters.

Storm surge levels are projected to rise 0.5–1 meter along the coastline from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak. Maximum sea levels include: Thuan An (1 m), Son Tra (1.2 m), Hoi An (1.3 m), Dung Quat (1.5 m), Quy Nhon (1.2 m), and Tuy Hoa (1.1 m).

Authorities have warned of inundation in low-lying coastal areas due to storm surge and waves. Risks include seawater intrusion, overtopping of sea dikes, erosion, and impeded drainage in flood-prone areas.

All boats, aquaculture facilities, and marine operations in affected regions are expected to face strong squalls, high waves, and coastal inundation.

Strong winds expected inland

From southern Da Nang to Dak Lak, wind speeds will rise from levels 6–7 to levels 8–9. Areas near the storm’s center - particularly eastern Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and northern Dak Lak - will see wind strengths up to levels 10–13, with gusts reaching levels 15–16.

Regions from southern Quang Tri to northern Da Nang and northern Khanh Hoa will also see winds at levels 6–7 and gusts at levels 8–9. The strongest winds are expected from late afternoon into the night.

From this evening, western areas of Quang Ngai to Gia Lai will see wind levels increase to 6–7, with gusts near the storm’s path reaching levels 8–9 and gusts up to level 11.

Heavy rainfall warning: Up to 600mm from Da Nang to Dak Lak

The storm's circulation is bringing torrential rains from Da Nang to Dak Lak between November 6–7, with expected rainfall of 200–400 mm, and isolated areas exceeding 600 mm.

From southern Quang Tri to Hue, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong, rainfall is projected at 150–300 mm, with localized heavy downpours over 450 mm. Rainfall is expected to decrease from November 8 onward.

Between November 7–8, areas from northern Quang Tri to Thanh Hoa will see moderate to heavy rain of 50–150 mm, with isolated areas experiencing over 200 mm.

The meteorological agency warns of extremely intense rain (over 200 mm in three hours), and the possibility of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and violent wind gusts both before and during landfall due to the storm’s wide circulation.

Bao Anh