Tropical storm Koto, the 15th storm of the season, has weakened to level 11 with gusts reaching level 14, and is moving very slowly. Forecasts indicate that over the next 2–3 days, the storm will remain mostly stationary and gradually lose strength. By early December 1, it may approach the coast of Gia Lai province with wind speeds reduced to level 9.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4 a.m. this morning (November 28), the storm’s center was located at approximately 12.8°N latitude and 112.6°E longitude, about 240km northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. Maximum sustained winds near the center reached level 11 (103–117 km/h), with gusts at level 14. The storm is currently drifting west-southwest at a speed of just 5 km/h.

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Over the next three days, storm Koto is expected to loiter around longitude 112, gradually weakening and drifting toward Gia Lai’s offshore waters. Source: NCHMF

In the next 24 hours, the storm will continue moving westward, though barely progressing - just around 3 km/h - and gradually weakening. By 4 a.m. on November 29, its center will be over the western part of the central East Sea, about 260km northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. Wind intensity will drop to level 10 with gusts remaining at level 14.

In the following 24 hours, the storm will change direction slightly to move northwest at a slow speed of 5 km/h. By 4 a.m. on November 30, the storm’s center will be located in the northwest section of the central East Sea, around 300km east of the Gia Lai coastline, with wind strength between levels 9–10 and gusts at level 13.

Another 24 hours later, storm Koto will again shift direction, now moving northwest at a pace of 3–5 km/h and continuing to weaken. By 4 a.m. on December 1, its center will be in the northwestern waters of the central East Sea, about 210km east of the Gia Lai coast. Wind speeds will have dropped to level 9 with gusts at level 12.

Between 72 and 120 hours from now, the storm will move slowly westward and may later shift to a west-southwest direction at about 5 km/h, while weakening further.

Due to the storm’s influence, the central East Sea region (including the northern area of the Truong Sa Archipelago) will experience strong winds at levels 7–9. Areas near the storm’s center will see wind speeds of level 10–11 with gusts reaching level 14. Waves will rise to 4–6 meters, and 7–9 meters in areas closest to the center, causing extremely rough seas.

The offshore waters from Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa will see winds at levels 6–7, increasing to level 8 with gusts reaching levels 9–10. Waves could reach 5–7 meters, and conditions are expected to be dangerously rough.

Vessels operating in the affected areas may face thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and large waves.

Bao Anh