western pacific Tropical Storm Kujira

[Somerset Squall]

After a month of inactivity, the Western Pacific awoke yesterday with the formation of a new tropical depression, which has since gone on to strengthen into a tropical storm according to JMA, named Kujira. Kujira has winds of 40kts according to JMA, but only 30kts according to JTWC. Kujira is located in the South China Sea, and is pushing northwards along the western periphery of a steering ridge to the east. This ridge is expected to remain place and send Kujira to the north towards Hainan Island.

Kujira's LLCC is almost entirely exposed this morning as moderate shear plagues the storm. For this reason, Kujira is not expected to strengthen much before landfall. JMA expect a modest 45kt peak.

[Somerset Squall]

Kujira peaked at 45kts before making landfall on Hainan Island. Winds dropped to 30kts as Kujira moved over land. Kujira has now moved over the Gulf Of Tonkin and has strengthened slightly to 35kts. A second landfall, this time in northeast Vietnam, is imminent.