Typhoon “Mangkhut” over the Marianas, track takes it toward Philippines and Taiwan as a Super Typhoon

Typhoon "Mangkhut" is dropping heavy rain and producing wind gusts of up to 204 km/h (126 mph) across Northern Marianas and Guam on September 10. The storm is heading westward towards the northern Philippines and Taiwan and is forecast to reach a Super Typhoon strength before it enters Luzon Strait.

At 06:00 UTC on September 10, the center of Typhoon "Mangkhut" was located about 109 km (68 mph) northeast of Guam. The typhoon is tracking westward at 31 km/h (19 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 167 km/h (103 mph) and gusts to 204 km/h (126 mph), making it a Category 2 hurricane equivalent on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Typhoon "Mangkhut" at 06:10 UTC on September 10, 2018. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8

Animated multispectral imagery shows a large consolidated system with tightly-curved banding deeding into a cloud-filled 26 km (16 miles) wide eye.

The cyclone is tracking westward at a relatively fast pace and is forecast to further strengthen and reach Super Typhoon strength by 06:00 UTC, September 13 as it heads toward the northern Philippines and Taiwan.

The current forecast track takes Mangkhut on a west-northwestward track in the Philippine Sea and into the Luzon Strait after 06:00 UTC, September 14.

Favorable environmental conditions will prevail, bringing intensity to a peak of 250 km/h (155 mph) or higher by that time. After that, interaction with Taiwan and Luzon will weaken the system slightly down to 240 km/h (150 mph).

Featured image: Typhoon "Mangkhut" at 06:10 UTC on September 10, 2018. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8