Typhoon Noul, which is a Category 3 storm is currently 450 km from the Philippines capital Manila, and is tracking west-northwestward at a speed of about 20 kmph. The storm is showing tightly curved bands with an eye indicating its strength. But at the same time Noul is showing signs of weakening due to its proximity to landmass.
Therefore, Noul is not expected to graduate to a Category 4 storm. However, it is strong enough to cause squally winds and heavy rain in the area. According to Skymet and other meteorology agencies across the world, typhoon Noul is expected to make landfall in the extreme northern island of Luzon by late Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Looking at the situation, the local authorities have already sounded an alert and are carrying out evacuation work in the area.
This (Typhoon Noul) will be the second storm of the season in the western Pacific to make landfall. Five storms had occurred before this but four had fizzled out in the Pacific waters.
Another Tropical Storm Brewing
Meanwhile, another storm is coming up close to the heels of Noul. The tropical storm will be the seventh in a row in the western Pacific to have occurred so early in the season, breaking the earlier record of six storms. The storm is also expected to follow the same path as typhoon Noul. However, there is still one week before it strikes a landmass. At the moment the cone of its exact track remains a little uncertain.
First storm of Atlantic Hurricane Season
In the meantime, first storm of the Atlantic has formed a month before the official period of commencement of hurricanes. The storm named ‘Ana’ formed off the coast of Carolina on Thursday night.
The storm does not have much of sea travel and therefore it is going to crawl towards the coast without picking disastrous strength. However, winds are expected to reach a speed of 100 kmph at the time of the storm striking.
Image Credit: globalnews.ca
