At 7 a.m. on July 2, the tropical depression was located in the waters over the northern part of the East Sea, about 240 km east-northeast of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.

Maximum sustained winds near its centre were reaching 50-61kph, with gusts of up to 88kph. The system was moving west-northwest to northwest at 15-25 kph and continued to intensify.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the system is highly likely to strengthen into the first tropical storm in the East Sea during the day on July 2 or in the early hours of July 3.

Forecast models indicate the storm will continue moving northwest, reaching waters north of the Hoang Sa archipelago by July 3 with winds of 62-88 kph and gusts of 89 – 117 kph.

Current projections suggest the storm will likely head toward China’s Hainan Island before approaching the Gulf of Tonkin around July 4. Forecasters estimate there is about a 70% chance that either the storm’s centre or its circulation will affect Vietnam’s northeastern coastal region, although its track and intensity remain subject to change.

The northern part of the East Sea, including waters around the Hoang Sa archipelago, is forecast to experience strong winds, with gusts of up to 103-133 kph near the storm’s centre.

Waves are expected to reach 3-5m, creating very rough sea conditions. Thunderstorms may also trigger waterspouts, squalls and high waves, posing significant risks to vessels operating at sea.

Meteorologists urged fishing boats and other vessels within the affected area to closely monitor weather updates and seek safe shelter when necessary.

They also warned that the storm’s circulation, combined with an active tropical convergence zone, could bring moderate to heavy rainfall across Northern Vietnam from July 4 to 7.

Mountainous areas are likely to face heightened risks of flash floods and landslides, while urban centers and low-lying areas could experience localised flooding.

Coastal provinces, particularly Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and other northeastern localities, were advised to review emergency response plans and ensure the safety of fishing vessels, aquaculture facilities and residents in vulnerable areas.

Low-pressure area over East Sea likely to strengthen into tropical depression

VOV.VN - A low-pressure area is active over waters in the eastern part of the northern and central East Sea and is likely to strengthen into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.