Storm Lionrock reaches East Sea

HA NOI — Tropical storm Lionrock has crossed into the East Sea, according to the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre.

The eye of the storm, the sixth in the Pacific region so far this year, was about 280km southeast of Hong Kong at 7pm yesterday. The storm reportedly had winds speeds of 88km near its eye.

The storm is forecast to gain strength as it moves northeast during the next 24 hours at 10kph.

By 7pm today, the eye of the storm is expected to be about 270km east-southeast of Hong Kong. The winds are forecast to reach 88kph today.

On September 1, the eye of the storm is expected to be 22.9 degrees north and 117.4 degrees on China's Fujian Province.

Measures taken

An official at the National Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Committee told Viet Nam News that the storm was unlikely to hit Viet Nam, but it would bring heavy rains to cities and provinces across the country.

The committee warned Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces that heavy rains might be on the way, which could cause flooding. The committee instructed provincial officials to take preventive measures to control a possible flood.

The Border Guard High Command reported that it had maintained contact with 52,330 ships in the East Sea.

Showers in northern provinces this weekend were caused by the storm, with rainfall between 70-150mm in affected areas. —VNS