Super Typhoon Haiyan to Bring Destruction to Philippines

AccuWeather

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

November 07, 2013; 11:25 AM

Super Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) continues to pose a serious threat to lives and property as it heads toward the Philippines.

Earlier on Thursday, local time, the winds with this exceptionally dangerous storm increased to 305 kph (190 mph), surpassing the winds of Super Typhoon Lekima, which was previously the strongest tropical system in the world for the 2013 season based on wind speed and central pressure.

In fact, the winds of Haiyan are equivalent to peak winds of the infamous Typhoon Tip, which was known for having the lowest sea-level pressure ever observed on Earth and its massive size.

The strength of Haiyan is equal to that of an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic.

With its current track, Haiyan will cross over the Philippines Friday through Friday night with its strength equivalent to a Category 5 or a strong Category 4 hurricane.

Haiyan should top Utor as the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

"Three storms [Nari, Utor and Krosa] have crossed the Philippines at typhoon strength so far this year. All three tracked across Luzon, while Haiyan is headed toward the central Philippines," stated AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Eric Wanenchak.

Rain and wind will increase across the east-central Philippines late Thursday night (local time) with conditions deteriorating from east to west Friday through Friday night as the powerful typhoon crosses the islands.

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Widespread torrential rain and damaging winds will accompany Haiyan through the central Philippines, threatening to leave a trail of destruction and triggering life-threatening flash floods.

Rain totals along the path of Haiyan could top 200 mm (8 inches). Mudslides are a serious concern in the higher terrain, where localized totals of 250 to 300 mm (10 to 12 inches) are possible.

The expected track of Haiyan will take it directly over the areas hardest hit by a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 150 people in the middle of October.

Haiyan will also produce a severe and inundating storm surge, especially along the eastern coast of southern Luzon and Samar islands.

Residents are urged to take the necessary precautions now ahead of Haiyan's approach and heed all evacuation orders issued by local officials.

The worst of the storm will bypass the capital city of Manila, but wind gusts could reach 80 kph (50 mph) with 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) of rain.

This satellite image of Haiyan, courtesy of NOAA, was taken Thursday evening, local time.

After slamming the Philippines, Haiyan will remain a dangerous cyclone as it emerges into the South China Sea and continues to move to the west-northwest on Saturday.

The eventual track of Haiyan will bring the storm toward Vietnam by late Sunday into Monday.

These areas will receive multiple rounds of heavy rainfall leading up to the approach of Haiyan as rainfall from former Typhoon Krosa and Tropical Storm 30W will soak the region.

Thus, any additional heavy rainfall from Haiyan early next week will quickly lead to flooding and mudslide threats.

AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Alan Reppert, Eric Leister and Mike Doll contributed to this story.