(Image courtesy of the NRLMRY -- Naval Research Lab)Morakot, a large storm with far-reaching winds, became a typhoon on Wednesday.The latest location for the center of Typhoon Morakot, as of late Wednesdayevening EDT, was 220 miles south of Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Morakot barreledwestward at 14 mph packing highest sustained winds of 90 mph.
Further strengthening during the next 12-24 hours will raise the status ofMorakot to that of super typhoon. During this time, Morakot will approach thesouthern Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Okinawa, whose islands are among the RyukyuIslands, will feel the outer effects of Morakot including rain squalls withgale-force gusts.
Taiwan will also feel the impact, as the center of Morakot will track nearnorthern Taiwan on Friday. Potential impacts will include damaging wind andflooding rain.
Landfall upon eastern China well south of Shanghai will happen late Friday orearly Saturday, EDT. Morakot will hold typhoon or strong tropical storm statusupon reaching the mainland of China.
Keep clicking back on the Accuweather Hurricane Center for the latestinformation relating to Morakot.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews
