Vietnam Insider — A tropical depression in the East Sea has intensified into Storm Wutip, expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall to central and south-central regions of Vietnam over the coming days, though it is not forecast to make landfall.
As of Wednesday morning, Wutip was located east of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, with sustained winds of 74 km/h, moving northwest at 5–10 km/h, according to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The storm is expected to strengthen through Friday, with winds reaching up to 102 km/h as it passes south of Hainan Island, China, before gradually weakening over the weekend.
Despite remaining offshore, Wutip will bring significant rainfall to Vietnam: Wednesday: South-central provinces may receive 30–80 mm of rain, with localized areas exceeding 150 mm. Wednesday night to Friday: From Quang Binh to Quang Ngai, rainfall is expected to reach 100–300 mm, with isolated totals of over 450 mm. Northern Central Highlands could receive 70–150 mm, with some areas experiencing more than 200 mm within six hours.
Strong winds and rough seas are forecast in offshore areas, especially near the Hoang Sa archipelago, the Gulf of Tonkin, and coastal provinces from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, with gusts reaching 102 km/h and waves up to 5 metershigh.
Vietnamese authorities have issued an urgent directive to coastal and mountainous provinces, warning of possible flash floods and landslides. Local governments have been instructed to strengthen early warning systems, inspect high-risk areas, and prepare emergency response teams.
This is Vietnam’s second tropical depression in 2025, following one in February that did not become a storm. In 2024, the country experienced 10 storms, with five directly affecting the mainland. Meteorologists expect up to five storms or depressions to form in the East Sea by August 2025, with two potentially impacting Vietnam.
Foreign residents and travelers in Vietnam are advised to stay informed through official weather updates, follow local advisories, and avoid non-essential travel in affected regions.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider