Tropical Storm Meranti Could Strengthen into a Strong Typhoon, Threaten Taiwan Next Week

Tom Moore
Published: September 10,2016
Tropical Storm Meranti is organizing rapidly northwest of Guam and is forecast to become a strong typhoon, potentially impacting Taiwan next week.
(MORE: Typhoon Alley: Where The Most Intense Tropical Cyclones Most Frequently Occur)

Current Storm Info

As of Saturday night (EDT), Meranti was centered over 400 miles north-northwest of Yap in the Caroline Islands. It continues to become more organized and it should strengthen as it tracks west-northwest.

Weekend: Intensification to a Typhoon Expected

According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the storm will intensify gradually over the next couple of days. It will encounter a bit of wind shear, but not enough to inhibit development. Meranti is forecast to become a typhoon on Sunday.
This system does not threaten any land masses this weekend.
(MORE: Next Atlantic Named Storm Could be Coming Next Week)

Next Week: Land in Play? 

Early next week, what should be Typhoon Meranti will move into an even more favorable environment for development. It should be steered more to the northwest around a ridge of high pressure aloft and wind shear will be significantly reduced.
This could result in rapid strengthening.
Although there is uncertainty in the forecast track, all interests in Taiwan, the northern Philippines and southeastern China should monitor its progress and take appropriate action if needed.
The time frame for possible impacts will likely be from Tuesday night into Wednesday (EDT).
The latest advisory issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center indicated that Meranti will likely be a strong typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph by Monday.

Projected Path and Intensity

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