Train of Tropical Cyclones Persists in Western Pacific

By Dan DePodwin, Meteorologist

August 9,2013; 8:14PM,EDT

 

 

The train of tropical systems in the Western Pacific continues as Tropical Storm Etor formed Saturday morning, local time (Friday evening, EDT). Currently located around 700 miles east of Manila, Philippines, the storm remains on course to impact Luzon this weekend.
With plenty of warm water and lack of wind shear, Tropical Storm Utor should continue to strengthen as it approaches the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The potential is growing for Utor to reach typhoon status (sustained winds greater than 117 km/h) before landfall in northern Luzon on Sunday night, local time.
Even if Utor does not reach typhoon status, wind gusts to 120 km/h can occur along the east coast of Luzon late Sunday into Monday as the storm lashes the island.

No matter the strength of the winds at landfall, torrential rain can cause flooding in northern Luzon. AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Tony Zartman states, "A widespread area will receive 2-4 inches (50-100 mm) with isolated amounts of 4-8 inches (100-200 mm)." The excessive rainfall could also cause mudslides in the higher terrain.
After blasting Luzon, Utor is expected to move westward over the South China Sea, around the periphery of a high pressure system to the northeast. Despite weakening some due to the mountains of Luzon, Utor should restrengthen into a typhoon by the middle of next week as it nears southeast China and far northern Vietnam.
AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls cautions, "These areas were hit hard by Mangkhut this week and Jebi the week prior. Another round of nasty weather from Utor is on the table."