Western Pacific Ocean seems to have no respite from the typhoons this year. After typhoon Phanfone, there is another typhoon, Vongfong, brewing in the western Pacific Ocean.
Even though Vongfong has now moved away from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, warnings remain in effect for both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Vongfong is following the same path as Typhoon Phanfone that passed near Guam as a tropical storm and is now affecting Japan as a strong typhoon.
The system passed close to Rota Island, part of the Northern Mariana Island chain, and passed approximately 90 km north of Guam and 85 km south of Saipan on Sunday. The system is now moving away from the islands.
Vongfong was first a tropical depression, and then steadily gained strength as it approached Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Vongfong will maintain a northwesterly path.
With low vertical wind shear and warm western Pacific water, conditions remain favorable for its intensification.
Strike Japan Again?
After passing the Mariana Islands Vongfong will then take almost the same path of western Pacific water as Typhoon Phanfone. It seems that Vongfong will intensify into another strong typhoon before threatening parts of Japan. It is to be noted that Typhoon Vongfong will take a path just west to the path taken by Typhoon Phanfone.
