Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued an urgent warning regarding Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name Tino), which is currently strengthening over the Philippine Sea. Forecast models suggest that Kalmaegi could rapidly intensify to a potentially catastrophic Category 14 strength (with gusts reaching level 17) upon entering the East Sea (South China Sea) around November 5, 2025. The storm poses a severe threat of devastating winds and heavy rainfall to Vietnam's central provinces, particularly the region from Da Nang to Khánh Hòa, with impact expected around November 7.
Escalating Intensity and Track Projection
Kalmaegi, which became the 13th storm expected to affect the East Sea this year, is undergoing a phase of rapid intensification supported by warm sea surface temperatures. As of November 2, the storm was classified as a Severe Tropical Storm (locally Tino) and was moving rapidly westward.
Meteorologists warn that the storm is projected to reach its peak intensity once it emerges into the East Sea, potentially escalating to Category 14 (with sustained winds up to 150-165 kph, or 90-105 knots) and possibly higher upon approaching the Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago. The storm is forecast to move toward or make landfall along the central Vietnamese coast around November 7. The provinces between Da Nang and Khánh Hòa are identified as the regions most likely to experience the direct, heaviest impacts.
Severe Wind and Rainfall Warnings
The forecasted extreme intensity of Kalmaegi dictates severe weather warnings for both maritime and mainland regions.
Seas are forecast to become extremely rough, with wave heights expected to reach 8-10 meters in the central East Sea region between November 5 and 6. Winds in this area are predicted to reach Levels 12–14, with gusts exceeding Level 17, posing an extreme risk to all vessels.
Kalmaegi is expected to bring powerful winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall to the Central, South-Central, and Central Highlands regions from the night of November 6 to November 9. This new deluge comes after central Vietnam has already suffered widespread and prolonged flooding from previous storms this season (including Matmo and Fengshen).
Urgency for Preparedness
The NCHMF stresses that, while forecast models show strong agreement on Kalmaegi's path toward central Vietnam, the exact track and final intensity can still be influenced by interaction with cold air masses and terrain, necessitating constant monitoring.
Local authorities and residents in the forecasted impact zones are advised to complete all disaster prevention measures, secure vessels, and prepare for potential evacuations, as the severity of the expected wind and rain could be devastating.