Tropical Storm forms in the Philippine Sea, Could become a Major Typhoon
Tropical Storm GONI (22W) has formed in the Philippine Sea over the past 24 hours and could be yet another typhoon threat to the Philippine Islands, potentially even stronger and more dangerous than Typhoon Molave was this past week, which should warrant interests in Luzon to monitor the progress of the storm and prepare accordingly.
Current Storm Information
As of the latest JTWC advisory (2100z 28102020), Tropical Storm GONI is currently located near 16.6N, 137.5E with 1-minute sustained winds of 40 mph (35 knots; 65 km/h), gusting to 50 mph (45 knots; 85 km/h); equivalent to a minimal Tropical Storm according to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).
The JTWC is currently anticipating Goni to attain a peak intensity of 120 mph (105 knots; 195 km/h), equivalent to a Category 3 typhoon late on Halloween (October 31st), shortly before weakening on approach to landfall in Luzon the following day as a Category 1 typhoon of 90 mph (80 knots; 150 km/h).
Hazards associated with the currently, very decidedly small, but still very dangerous tropical cyclone are Storm Surge, strong winds, heavy rainfall and mudslides at higher elevations in the majority of the northern Philippine Islands during the D3-5 (days 3-5) forecast period. Interests in the path of Goni during the next 5 days should monitor the progress of the storm, and make preparations accordingly.
For further information, refer to your local meteorological office. Force Thirteen is also providing further updates as well as live coverage on Higos and other storms around the world through their facebook, twitter and youtube platforms.
