Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency upgraded a tropical depression near the Marshall Islands to a typhoon, which brings this season’s total to 30 storms.
- Early observations placed the system near 9°N, 160°30'E with central pressure around 1004 hPa and sustained winds near 15–18 m/s while it moved at roughly 15–20 km/h.
- Forecasts project a westward turn that will steer the storm near Chuuk (Truk) by Oct. 17 and toward the Mariana Islands by Oct. 18, with continued intensification expected through Oct. 18–20.
- Peak-strength estimates vary between bulletins, with some forecasts calling for a 'strong' typhoon at about 970 hPa and 35–40 m/s winds and others projecting as low as 960 hPa and 40 m/s, so exact impacts remain uncertain.
- Reaching 30 typhoons in one year would be the first time since 2013, and JMA warns island communities and maritime operations to prepare for heavy winds, high seas, and heavy rain while watching official updates for changes in track and intensity.