Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong has turned North

Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong has turned North and is now heading towards Japan. At this moment the forward speed is very slow and cannot be quantified. Central pressure remains as low as 900 hPa. Wind speed near the center is 212 km/h. Gusts are up to 305 km/h.   Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong is still a Super-Typhoon of Category 5.

The clearly visible eye of Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong

Also well visible on this satellite picture are the clouds over the southern Visayas and Mindanao.  The suction of Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong is very strong.

High waves caused by Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong

Even inter-island ferries between the islands in the Visayas and from/to Mindanao have been cancelled this morning. Many passengers are stranded in ports.

Track forecasts of Typhoon VONGFONG / Ompong

Multi Agency Rrack Forecats courtesy of typhoon2000.ph

All agency forecast a northern track that will turn towards Japan in about 36 hours. While he forecasts are nearly uniform, observation of the typhoon’s eye shows rather erratic movements. The 24 hours satellite loops are here. 

[GARD]