Did your morning commute turn into a wrestling match with traffic and puddles? Well, expect more of that during this long weekend, meteorologists have warned.
Storm Podul made landfall in Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces in north-central Vietnam earlier this morning after strengthening from a low-pressure system on August 26 while off the west coast of the Philippines. The typhoon is Vietnam’s fourth on record this year, while experts predict that from nine to 11 storms will affect the country this season.
Fortunately, Podul was not as powerful as its predecessor, Wipha, and has already weakened into a low-pressure area as it moves further inland. Still, localities on and near its trajectory should expect moderate to heavy rain accompanied by gusts during the weekend. So far, the storm has torn roofs off of dozens of house in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. In Hanoi, strong winds uprooted trees, traffic lights and utility posts; while one motorist died after being struck by a falling tree while driving.
According to Zing, Podul’s residual effects will bring widespread rain to the country this weekend, especially in northern and north-central provinces. Heavy rain will continue to batter northern Vietnam at least until September 2, and central Vietnam until the end of August 30.
The Central Highlands will experience from 150 to 250 mm of rain, while Saigon and Mekong Delta provinces should also receive some precipitation during the holiday weekend.
