Tropical Cyclone Warning was issued today, January 4, 2013. The tropical cyclone is called “Sonamu”. Malaysia Meteorological Department issued the warning of rough weather today at 5pm.

The highest level of warning alert, Third Category was issue tonight!

According to the trajectory projection by Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Sonamu might landed at East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Terengganu) on 8 January 2013.

Picture Source: http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/

Tropical Storm Advisory
Issued at 05:50PM 04 January 2013

Stage : Tropical Storm (SONAMU).Time of Observation : 5:00 pm, 4th January 2013.Location : Latitude 8.4 North; Longitude 114.9 East; approximately 445 km Southwest of Palawan, Philippines.Movement : Westwards at estimated speed of 15 kmph.

Distant from nearest town: Approximately 268 km Northwest of Kudat, Sabah.

Threat to Malaysia : These conditions may cause strong winds and rough seas over waters off South China Sea.

THIRD CATEGORY WARNING

WARNING ON STRONG WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS

Update:

Tropical Storm (SONAMU) is located at Latitude 8.4 N and Longitude 114.9 E, at 5:00 pm, 4th January 2013, approximately 268 km Northwest of Kudat, Sabah and moving Westwards with estimated speed of 15 km/h.

SECTION A: STRONG WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS (THIRD CATEGORY) -Update

Strong Northeasterly winds over 60 kmph with waves more than 5.5 metres occurring over the waters off Kelantan, Terengganu, Samui, Condore, Reef North, Layang-Layang & Palawan are expected to continue until Monday, 7th January 2013.

In addition, the coastal areas of Kelantan & Terengganu are vulnerable to sea level rise. This condition is expected to continue until Monday, 7th January 2013.

This condition of strong winds and rough seas is dangerous to all coastal and shipping activities including workers on oil platform.

SECTION B: STRONG WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS (SECOND CATEGORY)- Update

Strong Northeasterly winds of 50-60 kmph with waves up to 4.5 metres occurring over the waters off Pahang, East Johore, Sarawak(Rejang, Mukah, Bintulu & Miri), FT Labuan, Sabah(Interior, West Coast & Kudat), Tioman & Reef South are expected to continue until Friday, 11th January 2013.

In addition, the coastal areas of Pahang & East Johore are vulnerable to sea level rise. This condition is expected to continue until Monday, 7th January 2013.

This condition of strong winds and rough seas is dangerous to all shipping and coastal activities including fishing and ferry services.

SECTION C: WARNING ON STRONG WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS (FIRST CATEGORY)-Update

Strong Northeasterly winds of 40-50 kmph with waves up to 3.5 metres occurring over the waters off Sarawak(Kuching), Sabah(Sandakan), Bunguran & Sulu are expected to continue until Friday, 11th January 2013.

This condition of strong winds and rough seas is dangerous to small crafts, recreational sea activities and sea sports.

SECTION D: WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORM WARNING-Update

i) Thunderstorm activities occurring over waters off Reef North, Layang-Layang & Palawan are expected to continue until night, Friday, 4th January 2013. At the same time, strong winds over 60 kmph with waves more than 5.5 metres is dangerous to all coastal and shipping activities including workers on oil platform.

ii) Thunderstorm activities occurring over waters off Sarawak (Mukah, Bintulu & Miri) are expected to continue until night, Friday, 4th January 2013. At the same time, strong winds of 50-60 kmph with waves up to 4.5 metres is dangerous to all shipping and coastal activities including fishing and ferry services.

Source:

http://www.met.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1328&Itemid=565

http://www.met.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1325&Itemid=564