Potential Tropical Cyclone Forming in the South China Sea

A low-pressure area in the northern South China Sea may strengthen into Tropical Storm 1, the first of 2025. As of June 9th, the low-pressure system was located near 17.0-18.0 degrees North latitude and 117.2-118.2 degrees East longitude. It is currently moving slowly westward. There is an 80-90% probability that the low-pressure area will intensify into a tropical depression within 24 hours. It is then expected to move northwestward. Over the next 48-72 hours (June 12-13), there is a 60-70% chance that the tropical depression will further strengthen into a typhoon. This system could potentially impact areas in the northern South China Sea, including the Hoang Sa Islands, and possibly parts of the eastern and central Gulf of Tonkin. Mariners in the affected areas should be aware of the risk of strong winds, gusts, and high waves.