As the tropics continue to be active across the globe, the West Pacific Ocean basin looks to be no different this week.
Following behind Podul, which traversed the East Sea earlier last week, another tropical depression has formed in the East Sea. Accuweather reports.
Related: Podul made landfall in central Vietnam as a tropical storm early Friday morning
Should the system strengthen to become a tropical storm in the western Pacific Ocean, it would obtain the name Lingling. In the Philippines, this tropical system would be referred to as Kabayan. If this were to strengthen into a tropical storm, some wind gusts could approach 90-105 kph (55-65 mph).
The tropical depression will bring heavy rain and the potential for flooding across Vietnam, Laos and along the southern coast of China into Thursday. Rainfall amounts of 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) will be likely in parts of Vietnam, Laos and China. This could lead to major travel delays, road closures and even mudslides.
Tropical depression to impact Vietnam
“Areas across Vietnam and Laos will be threatened by heavy tropical rainfall for the second time within about a week,” added Douty.
One scenario that would spare Vietnam and Laos from a direct hit would involve this tropical threat stalling east of Vietnam, then turning northward and tracking into southeastern China later this week. While northern Vietnam would still be at risk for local flooding in this scenario, the greatest risk of damaging winds and widespread flooding would shift to Hainan and coastal locations of southeastern China, as well as Hong Kong.
Moisture from this tropical system may then be pulled northeastward, bringing the risk of flooding to South Korea and Japan later in the week. More tropical development is possible across the West Pacific basin during the first half of September bringing more risks to various areas in eastern Asia.
Last weekend, flash floods, thunderstorm and lightning triggered by Storm Podul, the fourth hitting the East Sea, left 6 people killed, 4 injured and 2 others missing in Vietnam.