The storm, which entered Viet Nam's East Sea, on Tuesday, has rapidly strengthened, becoming one of the most powerful typhoons in the region over the past decade.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, Yagi was positioned in the northern part of Viet Nam's East Sea, approximately 490 km northeast of China’s Hainan Island, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The center predicts that by 10 a.m. Friday, Yagi will be 120 km east of Hainan Island and about 550 km from Vietnam's Quang Ninh, moving west-northwest at a speed of 10-15 kph.
By Saturday morning, the storm is expected to be situated over the northern Gulf of Tonkin, roughly 120 km from Quang Ninh. It is then projected to make landfall between Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh, eventually weakening into a tropical depression.
Japanese meteorological agencies reported that Yagi's wind speeds have peaked at 198 kph, and expected to decrease to 126 kph as it enters the Gulf of Tonkin. However, Hong Kong meteorological agencies predicted the storm could intensify further, with winds reaching 220 kph in the coming hours.
Starting Friday noon, rough seas and strong winds are anticipated in the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as sea areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa along Vietnam's northern coast.
Heavy rainfall is forecasted across northern and north-central Vietnam from Friday through Monday, with some areas expected to receive up to 500 mm of rain. These downpours may lead to floods in low-lying regions and landslides on slopes.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive on Tuesday urging northern and north-central localities to prepare for the storm. Coastal areas are expected to impose a ban on sea vessels starting Thursday.
