Tropical depression strengthens into 10th storm to hit Vietnam in 2024

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4 am on December 24, the center of the storm (internationally named Pabuk) was located in the northwestern area of Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 62–74 km per hour. The storm is moving west at a speed of 5–10 kph.

From 1 pm on December 24 to 1 pm on December 25, influenced by a cold spell, the storm is expected to shift west-southwest at 5–10 kph and gradually weaken into a tropical depression as it nears the coastline from Phu Yen to Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces, including Ho Chi Minh city.

By then, maximum winds near its center are forecast to decrease to 39–61 kph.

Japan's meteorological station has forecast the storm to downgrade into a tropical depression by Tuesday, while Hong Kong’s meteorological station predicts it will weaken further near the waters off Binh Thuan province by Wednesday.

Under the combined impact of the storm and a cold spell from the north, there will be moderate to heavy rain in coastal areas from the night of December 25 with common rainfall of about 60-150 mm, even over 250 mm in some places.

The South Central and Southern regions are likely to experience showers and thunderstorms in the coming days.

TB