Flooding Downpours Target Philippines; China and Vietnam on Alert from Tropical Depression

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

September 30,2015; 11:24PM,EDT

 

 

A tropical depression threatens to trigger flooding across the Philippines late this week before potentially strengthening this weekend as it approaches southeastern China and northern Vietnam.
Tropical downpours will accompany Tropical Depression 22 as it pushes across the northern half of the Philippines from east to west into Friday.

While the AccuWeather Typhoon Center is closely monitoring the depression, it is not expected to strengthen much before it reaches the Philippines.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty states that the Philippines will be at risk for flash flooding.
"The greatest [flood] threat will be across Samar and southern Luzon, which could receive 75 to 100 mm (3 to 6 inches) of rain," he said. "Manila is included in this area."
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Even though the depression will struggle to strengthen prior to reaching the Philippines, there is greater concern for the low to intensify over the warm waters of the South China Sea this weekend. Disruptive wind shear will not hinder the low's ability to strengthen.
"During this time, a continued track to the west-northwest is expected, along with further development," Douty said. "Due to this, areas from northern Vietnam into southern China (to the west of Hong Kong) should be on alert for a tropical system."
Among the cities that are being put on alert for potential impacts later this weekend or early next week include Zhenjiang and Haikou, China, and Hai Phong and Hanoi, Vietnam.

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"At the least, [the low] would bring the threat for flooding to the region," Douty continued. The danger of damaging winds and an inundating storm surge will increase as the low strengthens.
AccuWeather will continue to provide updates on the potential for the depression to strengthen and any impacts in the coming days.