Typhoon Fengshen to enter the South China Sea tomorrow evening

According to meteorological agencies, the tropical depression over the waters east of the Philippines strengthened into a typhoon early this morning. This is the 24th typhoon in the Northwest Pacific region and has the international name Fengshen.

Fengshen means “Wind God” in Chinese. The typhoon currently has intensity at level 8 (62-74km/h), with gusts up to level 10.

It is forecasted that the typhoon will make landfall in the Luzon island area tomorrow morning (October 19). Tomorrow afternoon and evening, the typhoon will pass through Luzon island and enter the South China Sea, becoming the 12th typhoon.

After entering the South China Sea, typhoon number 12 is expected to move mainly in a west-northwest direction with intensity likely to strengthen further. By around October 22, when the typhoon reaches the northern area of the Paracel Islands, it is expected to reach level 11 intensity, with gusts up to level 13.

However, the characteristic of typhoon number 12 is that when it enters the South China Sea, it will encounter blocking patterns in the western part, making it less likely to move directly westward toward Northern Vietnam or toward China. According to analysis, typhoon number 12 will be affected by cold air intrusion and gradually weaken in intensity.

    Two possible typhoon scenarios

    Meteorological agencies assess that typhoon Fengshen (typhoon number 12) will likely weaken into a tropical depression before affecting the mainland of central provinces.

    Although the possibility of maintaining typhoon intensity to affect the central mainland is not high, the impact of the typhoon’s circulation combined with cold air in the northern and central South China Sea areas (including the Paracel Islands), the Gulf of Tonkin, and coastal areas from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai in the coming days will frequently experience strong winds from level 6-8 or higher, with sea waves 3-4 meters high and rough seas.

    Additionally, due to the influence of typhoon number 12’s aftermath circulation combined with cold air effects, from October 23 to 26, areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai will experience widespread moderate to heavy rainfall.

    Meteorological agencies also emphasize that the interaction between cold air and typhoons is one of the most complex weather scenarios.

    If the typhoon arrives first, followed by cold air, or if both the typhoon and cold air affect simultaneously, it will cause very heavy rainfall.

    In the case where cold air arrives first, followed by the typhoon, rainfall will not be as heavy.

    Current rainfall scenarios and the typhoon’s impact on Vietnam’s mainland still depend significantly on the development of cold air. Therefore, residents need to closely monitor both the typhoon’s path and the development of cold air effects.

    This morning, the tropical depression over the Pacific Ocean strengthened into a typhoon named Fengshen, which is forecasted to enter the South China Sea as typhoon number 12.

    South China Sea

    The South China Sea is a major marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from Singapore to the Taiwan Strait. Historically, it has been a critical maritime trade route for centuries, connecting East Asia with the Indian Ocean and beyond. Today, it remains a vital corridor for global commerce but is also the center of complex and ongoing territorial disputes among several bordering nations over sovereignty and resource rights.

    Luzon island

    Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, located in the northern part of the archipelago. It is historically significant as the site of the first Spanish settlements in the 16th century, including the capital city of Manila, which became a major hub for the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. Today, it is the nation’s political and economic center, home to the capital and a rich tapestry of cultures and languages.

    Paracel Islands

    The Paracel Islands are a group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea. They are the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute, primarily between China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. China has maintained de facto control of the islands since a conflict with South Vietnam in 1974.

    Northern Vietnam

    Northern Vietnam is a culturally rich region of Vietnam anchored by the capital Hanoi and famed for the stunning karst seascapes of Ha Long Bay. Historically, it was the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilizations and the seat of power for early dynasties. The area was also the center of French colonial Indochina and later became the capital of North Vietnam during the nation’s partition in the mid-20th century.

    China

    China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia marked by successive dynasties, imperial rule, and profound philosophical contributions like Confucianism. In the modern era, it has transformed into a major global power, blending its ancient traditions with rapid technological and economic development. Its cultural landscape is defined by iconic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army, which reflect its historical depth and architectural ingenuity.

    Gulf of Tonkin

    The Gulf of Tonkin is a body of water in the northwest region of the South China Sea, bordered by northern Vietnam and China. It is historically significant for the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident, in which a reported naval engagement between North Vietnam and the United States led to the direct escalation of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.

    Quang Tri

    Quang Tri is a province in central Vietnam, historically significant as the location of the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the Vietnam War. It is most widely known for the Quang Tri Citadel, an ancient fortress that became the site of an intense 81-day battle in 1972. Today, the province is home to numerous war memorials and relics, serving as a poignant destination for remembering the conflict.

    Quang Ngai

    Quang Ngai is a coastal province in central Vietnam, historically part of the Champa Kingdom. It is most widely known for the tragic My Lai Massacre site, which serves as a somber memorial to the victims of the Vietnam War.