Strengthening Tropical Storm Linfa Poses Risks to Philippines

By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist

July 2,2015; 10:23PM,EDT

 

 

While the Philippines will escape Typhoon Chan-hom, which will eventually make a run at super typhoon status, the same cannot be said for newly-formed Tropical Storm Linfa.
A low moving across the Pacific Ocean became more organized early on Thursday morning local time (Wednesday night EDT), becoming Tropical Depression 10W. It became a storm in the overnight hours Friday local time (Thursday afternoon EDT).
Through the end of the week, Linfa is expected to strengthen as it curves northwestward toward Luzon Island of the Philippines.

The cyclone is expected to move into or pass just north of Luzon Island later this weekend as a strong tropical storm or a minimal typhoon. Impacts to the island still could start as early as late Saturday night, local time, including heavy rain north of Baguio.
"The biggest threat is flooding," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards. "Rainfall amounts will likely be on the order of 75 to 150 mm (3 to 6 inches). There will be locally higher amounts, especially when the cyclone comes onshore."
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Depending on the exact track, northern Luzon Island may also face tropical storm-force winds of 65 to 115 kph (40 to 70 mph) that could lead to tree damage, power outages and some property damage.
Even as the system approaches, boaters and interests in the Philippine Sea should use caution through the weekend as rough surf develops.
Interaction with Luzon may cause the cyclone to weaken early next week. If the cyclone remains just north of Luzon, there are signs that it could curve back to the northeast into Pacific, south of the Ryukyu Islands. The track of strengthening Typhoon Chan-hom may also play a role in the current storm's track beyond the Philippines.
Until the exact track of the cyclone becomes clear, anyone with interests in Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands should continue to monitor its progress.