Dianmu eyes Vietnam and Laos after dumping foot of rain on China

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

August 18,2016; 6:49PM,EDT

 

 

Tropical Depression Dianmu is set to deluge northern Vietnam and Laos into Saturday after unleashing more than 300 mm (12 inches) of rain over parts of Hainan Island earlier in the week.
The deluge will raise the risk for dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
AccuWeather meteorologists are closely monitoring the tropical depression which could strengthen into a tropical storm as it crosses the Gulf of Tonkin during the next 24 hours.

Proximity to land has been the main inhibitor to the system's ability to strengthen thus far.
Regardless of its strength, flooding and mudslides will be the main threats from Dianmu.
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Residents should prepare for possible road closures and heed any evacuation orders.
The risk of rough surf in the Gulf of Tonkin and locally damaging winds in northern Vietnam will increase if the system strengthens into a tropical storm.
The potential for further strengthening will end after the system moves inland on Friday. Dianmu is expected to weaken into a tropical rainstorm from Friday night into the weekend as it continues to track westward.
The danger for enhanced tropical downpours and localized flash flooding will persist through this weekend over central Myanmar and toward the mountains of northeastern India.