Radar image just after the time of the crash (Image courtesy of the ThaiMeteorological Department)Early in the morning of Tuesday, EDT, Morakot has become, along with Goni, oneof two western North Pacific tropical storms looming east of southern China.But, whereas Goni was nearing its landfall to the south and west of Hong Kong,Morakot has thus far remained over open seas far from its ultimate landfall.
Its center was still located about 500 miles east-southeast of Naha, Okinawa,Japan, and 1000 miles from Shanghai, China.
While highest sustained winds on Tuesday have remained moderate for atropical storm, it will almost certainly to strengthen substantially withtyphoon status likely within two days.
A close brush with the archipelago of Okinawa will happen during Thursday.
Gales and torrential rain will lash Okinawa and hurricane gusts will bepossible. Slashing rain and pounding waves will strike the islands.
The next, and ultimate, destination of Morakot will be east China south ofShanghai within one to two days of leaving Okinawa. Here again, winds ofhurricane strength will be possible near the site of landfall. Potential willbe for Morakot to unleash widespread flooding rain over east China during thecoming weekend.
Keep clicking back on the Accuweather Hurricane Center for the latestinformation relating to Morakot.
Story by AccuWeather.com Jim Meteorologist Jim Andrews
