As of 7:00 a.m. on August 18, the center of the tropical depression carried maximum sustained winds of up to 49 km/h, with gusts reaching 75 km/h. The system is moving west at roughly 5 km/h.

Forecasters expect the system to maintain its westward track over the next 24 hours, accelerating slightly to 10 km/h. By 7:00 a.m. on August 19, it is projected to remain at similar intensity over the eastern part of the North East Sea.

By 7:00 a.m. on August 20, the tropical depression is forecast to track west-northwest at around 10 km/h, positioning itself roughly 740 km east-northeast of China's Hainan Island. Over the subsequent 48 to 72 hours, it will continue moving west-northwest at 5 to 10 km/h.

Due to the system, the eastern waters of the North East Sea are experiencing strong winds and waves between 2.0 and 3.5 meters high, resulting in rough sea conditions. Disaster risk warnings have been issued for the northern area of the East Sea, including the Paracel Islands.

The weather forecasting center warned that vessels operating within affected zones face severe hazards from thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and high waves. Maritime operators are advised to closely monitor weather updates and take proactive safety measures.

Tropical depression east of Philippines forecast to become storm within 24 hours

VOV.VN - A tropical depression off the eastern coast of the Philippines has intensified and is expected to develop into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours before entering the northeastern North East Sea, with forecast winds of force 10-11 (89-117 km/h) and gusts up to force 13 (up to 149 km/h).

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.