Force Thirteen

Typhoon Bualoi Closes in Towards the Vietnamese Coast

Dino Wun — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 01:29:12 +0000

Typhoon Bualoi is now approaching the Vietnamese coast this morning and the JTWC is closely monitoring the storms path as it is expected to make landfall on the northern Vietnamese coast by Monday 6:00 a.m. ICT, while issuing critical shipping warnings in the area.

Current Information

As of 4:00 a.m. ICT on September 28th, Bualoi was located about 16.2 degrees north and 110.2 degrees East, about 200 km east of Da Nang, Vietnam, moving in the west-northwest direction at 30 km/h.

The latest outlook from the JMA supports maximum sustained winds of 65kt near the center and a central pressure of 975hPa.

NCHMF levels of flash floods and landslides valid 7am ICT.
(Credit: NCHMF)

Current Warnings and Watches

Vietnam’s weather agency is currently issuing a level 4 Disaster Risk Level for the coastal mainland area from Nghe An to the North of Quang Tri, while issuing a level 3 Disaster Risk Level for the western sea area of the North and Central East Sea (including Hoang Sa special zone) and the sea area from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai by September 28th at 4:00 a.m.

If you live in the affected areas, it is urgently recommended that you monitor additional warnings issued by the Vietnamese weather agency.

NCHMF forecast track map for Typhoon “Bualoi” as of September 28th, 2025 at 4am ICT.
(Credit: NCHMF)

Current Forecast

According to the cone forecast issued by the Vietnamese NCHMF weather agency, Bualoi will make landfall between Đồng Hới, Vietnam, and Vinh, Vietnam tomorrow, on September 29th at 4:00 a.m. ICT.

The storm is then expected to dissipate into a low pressure system over northern Laos by 4:00 p.m. ICT.

Current Hazards

For the latest warning issued by the Vietnam NCHMF, winds generated by Typhoon Bualoi may be slightly stronger in the areas between Đồng Hới and Vinh, which will cause severe damage to the affected areas.

Satellite animation of Typhoon “Bualoi” as it moves towards the Vietnamese coast.
(Credit: Force Thirteen/JMA/Himawari-9)

Additionally, there is a possibility of widespread heavy rain, with total rainfall ranging between 100 and 300 mm from this typhoon, which will likely cause flooding and landslides.

If possible, evacuate when directed by officials, and stay tuned to your local weather service or Force Thirteen for updates.

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Super Typhoon Ragasa (Nando) Barrels Towards the Babuyan Claro Island, Forcasted to Aim For China and Vietnam

Dino Wun — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:52:19 +0000

Super Typhoon Ragasa (PAGASA: Nando) is currently targeting one of the Babuyan Islands north of the Philippines today at 7:00 a.m. PHT.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is closely monitoring Ragasa’s path as it is expected to make landfall in one of the Babuyan Islands, while also issuing critical warnings for the coastlines of China and Vietnam.

PAGASA forecast track map for Super Typhoon Nando {Ragasa} as of September 22nd, 2025 at 8am PHT.
(Credit: PAGASA)

Current Information

As of 20Z today, Ragasa was located at 245 km East of Calayan, Philippines, and was moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h.

The latest outlook from the Philippines’ TCB states supported maximum winds of 250 km/h and a central pressure of 915 hPa.

Current Warnings and Watches

A TCWS Warning No. 5 is in effect for the northern portions of the Babuyan Islands, while the rest of the Babuyan Islands, the north portion of the Cagayan mainland, and the southeastern portion of the Batanes are under a TCWS No. 4.

Meanwhile, there may be potential warnings for the coastal areas of China and Vietnam in the next update.

If you live in the affected portions stated above, it is highly recommended to monitor additional warnings or watches issued by your local weather service within your area.

JTWC forecast track map for Super Typhoon “Ragasa” as of September 21st, 2025 at 21Z.
(Credit: JTWC)

Current Forecast

According to the cone forecast issued by the JTWC as of 21Z, Ragasa will cross the Luzon Strait while expected to make landfall in the Babuyan Islands.

By 18Z on Wednesday, Ragasa will strike the Zhanjiang peninsula and then dissipate after reaching the Vietnamese coast by this Friday.

Satellite animation of Super Typhoon Ragasa as it moves towards the Babuyan Islands.
(Credit: Force Thirteen/JMA/Himawari-9)

Current Hazards

From the latest bulletin issued by the Philippines’ Tropical Cyclone Board, winds generated by Super Typhoon Ragasa may be slightly stronger in coastal and upland/mountainous areas, which will cause significant damage to the affected areas of the Babuyan Islands, the Batanes, and the northern portions of the Cagayan mainland.

Additionally, heavy rainfall will also be expected from this typhoon, as more than 200 mm of rain will cause widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides in the affected portions.

Lastly, the southwest monsoon and the trough of Ragasa will bring gusts to the Luzon areas today and tomorrow.

If possible, evacuate when directed by officials, and stay tuned to your local weather service or Force Thirteen for updates.

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2024 Pacific Hurricane Season Animation Premieres Today (April 21, 2025)

Force Thirteen — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 20:28:16 +0000

The 2024 Pacific Hurricane Season contained a few powerful hurricanes, and the much sought after arrival of Hurricane Hone after a 5 year drought in the Central Pacific. Hurricane John also became a Category 3 major and caused severe impacts in Mexico. Relive the 2024 Pacific Hurricane Season (and Hone!) by using the link below!

Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocsFDTFd7VI

The post 2024 Pacific Hurricane Season Animation Premieres Today (April 21, 2025) appeared first on Force Thirteen.

Los Angeles Wildfire Updates: Palisades and Eaton Fires Somewhat Contained, 24 Killed

Dino Wun — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:52:26 +0000

As of noon PT on January 13, 2025, several of the recent Los Angeles area wildfires have begun to wind down. The Palisades fire, the largest and most destructive of the fires has scorched 23,713 acres, with containment reaching 14%. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres, with containment at 33%, and the Sunset Fire is now fully contained. Over the past five days since the first wildfire update in Los Angeles, the Palisades Fire has continued to spread westward toward Malibu and northward. The fires have destroyed over 12,000 homes and structures, and has tragically claimed 24 lives. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect due to strong Santa Ana winds, which could fuel the fires further and cause even more damage in the coming days.

Image showing the homes burned from the LA wildfires (Credit: KTLA).

For those in evacuation zones related to the Palisades Fire, areas near the Encino Reservoir and Getty Center have been downgraded to evacuation warnings, meaning evacuations are strongly recommended. The LA Sheriff’s Department has also downgraded evacuation orders to warnings for areas south of New York Drive and east of North Hill Avenue to Altadena Drive. Residents in these areas should be prepared to evacuate by having a go-bag ready and making a plan. Residents can stay informed through local news or LAFD alerts, and continuing coverage from Force Thirteen and Force Thirteen US.

The Palisades Fire area as of 1/13/2025 (Credit: Cal Fire).

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Cyclone Dikeledi Makes landfall in Mozambique as a Category 2

Force Thirteen — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:51:05 +0000

Overview

Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in the Nampula province of Mozambique at around 16:00 CAT, today, January 13, 2025 (according to observations from the Force Thirteen team) with a pressure of 975mb and a wind speed of 100mph(160km/h). It is now moving south-south-west and will start to change to a southeasterly direction at 8 AM or so La Reunion time on Tuesday, where it is likely to pass to the south of Madagascar.

Cyclone Dikeledi is forecast to make a southeasterly turn this evening, with the storm likely to stay in the Gulf of Madagascar. However, shower and thundershower activity associated with Dikeledi could produce heavy rainfall across portions of Western Madagascar.

Rainfall Accumulation Estimates

Cyclone Dikeledi can be expected to bring around 250mm of rain to areas of the Mozambique coast, whilst showers and thunderstorms associated with the storm could produce up to 350mm in areas of Western Madagascar as the storm moves southeast. As anticipated, the main hazard with the storm is rainfall, which could produce flash floods and mudslides.

Latest rainfall graphic from Force Thirteen, showing potential for 250 to 350mm of rainfall across Madagascar and Mozambique. (Yellow – 250mm, Red – 350mm.)

Stay up to date with the latest from Force Thirteen by visiting our Youtube channel, linked here!

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Cyclone Dikeledi Moves Towards Northern Madagascar

Force Thirteen — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:47:45 +0000

Cyclone Dikeledi is currently heading in a westerly direction towards the Northern coast/tip of Madagascar where it will drop 250mm+ of rain as it passes by.

Current Warnings

Météo Madagascar currently has heavy rain, strong wind, and heavy swell warnings in place for areas across the northwestern and northeastern parts of the coast with the heavy swell warning stretching all the way down to the western coast.

Rainfall

Cyclone Dikeledi can be expected to bring 10 inches and above to the northern coast of Madagascar and up to 6 inches or so once it reaches the northwestern coast of Mozambique.

Current Hazards:

Cyclone Dikeledi’s main hazards will be rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall over the next couple of days as it continues its path over Madagascar into the Mozambique channel.

Check out our latest full update on Cyclone Dikeledi using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnMmDUT6MJ8

Current Meteo France forecast cone for Cyclone Dikeledi at time of article release.

Current forecast rainfall over portions of Madagascar as Cyclone Dikeledi progresses westward.

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Massive Wildfire Rages Near Los Angeles in Southern CA

Dino Wun — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:46:32 +0000

As of January 8, 2025, at 8 am PT, the Palisades Fire has burned 2920 acres of land and is expected to grow faster. Santa Ana winds are forecasted to remain extreme today, as they will increase the size of the wildfire areas in the Palisades area. Several sources reported two casualties and injuries of several firefighters and civilians. Firefighters had confirmed that several structures within the area of the Palisades fire, including the high school, were burned down. Several reports showed drivers within the wildfire range abandoning their vehicles on Sunset, Topanga Canyon Blvds, and Highway 1 to escape the blaze reaching them. Smoke from the fire is expected to spread to the municipal of Los Angeles by 7 pm PT on Wednesday. Two other fires have emerged from the Palisades fire area (Eaton and Hurst Fires) and are expected to spread extensive damage. Several people are advised to evacuate from the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades wildfires-affected areas, especially for people who live in the Malibu area.

Image of palm trees swaying as the Eaton fire burns down structures (Credit: AP)

If you are in the areas near North to Mulholland Road, East to Kenter Rd, and South to Highway 1, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Ensure you turn off the power or gas to your home before leaving. If you want to look for the evacuation center for the Palisades fires, go to the Westwood Recreation Center at 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd. It will be serving as a shelter for residents to remain overnight. If you are outside the evacuation area but are close to it, be prepared by having a go bag and a plan and stay informed via local news or LAFD Alerts.

Map of evacuation orders due to the Palisades fire (Credit: CalFire)

The post Massive Wildfire Rages Near Los Angeles in Southern CA appeared first on Force Thirteen.

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Animation Released!

Force Thirteen — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:26:36 +0000

After a long, record-breaking, and destructive hurricane season, the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Animation has finally arrived. The 2024 season was the second-costliest tropical cyclone season in history, due in part to extremely powerful damaging storms, like Helene, which became the third-costliest hurricane ever, Milton, one of the strongest hurricanes in the Atlantic basin by both wind speed and barometric pressure. Beryl became both the earliest Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane on record, beating Dennis and Emily of 2005, respectively. Finally, Debby, albeit a much weaker storm in comparison to the previously mentioned storms, became Canada’s costliest tropical cyclone on record as it brought extreme flooding to Quebec during its extratropical phase, beating Fiona of 2022.

Watch our animation of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM86Ghca5RQ

The post 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Animation Released! appeared first on Force Thirteen.

Cyclone Chido Peaks as Category 4 Cyclone, Set to Approach Madagascar

Force Thirteen — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:21:49 +0000

Cyclone Chido peaked as a high-end category 4 earlier today at 06:00z at a position of 11 degrees South and 55 degrees East, with wind speeds of 155mph and a pressure of 928mb. As the day ends, Northeastern parts of Madagascar should be preparing for Chido to brush by the the extreme Northeastern parts of Madagascar as a weak category 3 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. As of now (20z 12 Dec 2024,) Météo Madagascar has rough swell warnings in place for areas from Cape of Ambre to Vohemar and Mahajanga. Cyclone Chido is expected to bring around 1 to 2 inches of rain to the North Eastern parts of Madagascar over the next 4 days. In addition, Cyclone Chido’s main hazards over the next couple of days are strong winds, extreme swells and heavy rainfall.

For the latest on Cyclone Chido, see our ‘Active Cyclones’ page, and stay tuned for more updates on our Youtube channel!

Current forecasted rainfall amounts in advance of Cyclone Chido’s advance towards Madagascar, with 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) of rainfall anticipated.

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Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Ferndale in California, Tsunami Warning in Effect

Dino Wun — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 20:02:16 +0000

As of 10:44 AM PST (18Z) on December 5th, 2024, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck 62 miles WSW of Ferndale, California. This earthquake near Norcal’s coast is located at 40.3 degrees north and -125.0 degrees west and measured at a depth of 0.6km. A tsunami warning was in effect from Douglass/Lane County Line in Oregon to Davenport, California.

Image showing the earthquake’s magnitude, location, and depth near Ferndale (Picture Credit: Force Thirteen).

As of 19Z, tsunami warnings for the San Francisco Bay Area and the remaining coastal areas in California and Oregon are canceled. If you were affected by the 7.0 earthquake, expect more aftershocks, check if you or anyone is injured, stay informed via radio or television, or evacuate if your home or other place is significantly damaged.

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