Dr. Tashiana Osborne

The tropical system named Soulik nearing the Philippines has been classified as an intensifying Typhoon.   At 1500 UTC (11 am EDT) today, the eye of the storm was located about 678 nautical miles east-southeast of Kadena Air Base in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Winds have quickly risen to 95 knots (109 mph/175 kph), with gusts up to 115 knots (135 mph/215 kph).  Soulik is expected to strengthen throughout this week as it continues on its west-northwest path.

Models predict the storm will reach Category 4 Saffir-Simpson wind scale conditions Thursday or Friday.  Extreme winds and flooding rain are expected to hit The Philippines, Taiwan, and portions along the eastern portion of south-central China by Thursday and into Friday. Fujian and Zhejiang would be the main regions of China affected, with Shanghai only slightly north. High gusts and extreme rain from Soulik early this weekend would have a devastating impact on these densely populated areas.