Typhoon “Kalmaegi” aims Philippines

Tropical Depression 15W in Northwestern Pacific Ocean intensified early on September 12, 2014 and became a tropical storm re-named "Kalmaegi." PAGASA named te storm "Luis". By September 13, Kalmaegi became a typhoon.

Terra/MODIS satellite image shows Tropical Storm Kalmaegi (15W) approaching the Philippines at 02:25 UTC on September 13, 2014. (Credit: LANCE Rapid Response/MODIS)

Rain and thunderstorms are spreading across a majority of the Philippines tonight as Typhoon "Kalmaegi" approaches from the east.

PAGASA reported maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h on September 13. Public Storm Warning Signal #3 was issued for Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Quirino and Northern Aurora. 

Estimated rainfall amount is from 8 – 20 mm per hour (heavy – Intense) within the 500 km diameter of the typhoon.

The combined effect of the Typhoon "Kalmaegi" and the Southwest Monsoon will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides over Bicol Region, Quezon and the rest of Central Luzon while light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon and Visayas.

Warm sea surface temperatures, high ocean heat content and mild vertical wind shear will allow the system to intensify.

Kalmaegi is forecast to make landfall at the eastern coast of Luzon, over Cagayan-Isabela, the northern Philippines, from southeast to northwest on September 14 before entering the South China Sea and heading for second landfall south of Hong Kong.

Satellite Animations

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Infrared (Aviation Color Enhancement) (MTSAT2; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT2; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT2; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (Colorized) (MTSAT2; NOAA/SSD)

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT2; CIMSS)

• South China Sea/West Pacific Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• South China Sea/West Pacific Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• South China Sea/West Pacific Water Vapor (MTSAT2; NOAA)