Uncertain Impact of Tropical Storm Usagi on Taiwan Amid Filipino Alerts

Tropical Storm Usagi has formed in the Western Pacific, potentially impacting Taiwan while currently alerting the Philippines. The storm is moving west-northwest with moderate winds, and its path remains uncertain, prompting advisories from both Taiwan’s CWA and the Philippine PAGASA. This event is particularly notable as it marks the unprecedented formation of four tropical storms simultaneously in November, a phenomenon not seen since 1994.

Tropical Storm Usagi has recently formed in the Western Pacific and is the fourth such storm to emerge in a span of just ten days. The storm is currently located approximately 660 kilometers northwest of the Yap Islands in the Philippines, with sustained winds of 72 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 101 kilometers per hour. Although the storm’s trajectory remains uncertain, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has indicated that there is a possibility of it affecting Taiwanese waters later this week. The CWA reported that Tropical Storm Usagi is traveling west-northwest at a speed of 27 kilometers per hour and is expected to change its path later, potentially leading to weather warnings in the vicinity of Taiwan. The storm’s exact trajectory remains ambiguous; it may veer northwest, enter the South China Sea via the Bashi Channel, or turn northward towards waters east of Taiwan. As of the latest updates, the CWA’s forecasts show the storm moving toward eastern waters of Taiwan over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Philippines, placed on high alert, has issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Usagi, known locally as “Ofel.” PAGASA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, reports that the storm is anticipated to intensify further, possibly becoming a typhoon within days. The storm is predicted to impact northern and central Luzon on Thursday. Notably, Tropical Storm Usagi marks a historic occurrence in November, with four tropical storms coexisting simultaneously, a phenomenon not seen since October 1994. On a related note, the CWA has also issued heavy rain advisories for northern coastal regions of New Taipei and Keelung, along with mountainous areas in Taipei and Yilan County, effective until the end of the day.

The development of Tropical Storm Usagi in the Western Pacific is significant, not only due to its immediate implications for Taiwan and the Philippines but also in the context of recent meteorological patterns. The storm is part of an unusual trend, as it is the fourth formation within ten days, highlighting active weather systems in the region. This unprecedented occurrence of four tropical storms at once in November indicates a period of heightened activity that has not been observed since the mid-1990s, thus garnering attention from meteorologists and government agencies. Taiwan’s CWA has remained vigilant, monitoring Usagi’s progress and preparing the public for potential impacts, reflecting the importance of timely information in disaster readiness.

In summary, Tropical Storm Usagi represents a developing weather event that may significantly impact Taiwan and the Philippines in the coming days. The CWA is carefully tracking the storm’s movements and preparing for possible weather warnings. Enhanced awareness and preparedness are crucial for both local and regional authorities as Usagi’s path continues to evolve and its intensity potentially increases. The concurrent emergence of several tropical storms underscores a noteworthy meteorological trend that requires careful monitoring.

Original Source: focustaiwan.tw