Tropical Storm Noul strengthens to Category 12

Tropical Storm Noul, locally known as Bão số 2, has rapidly intensified over the northern East Sea. As of 10 a.m. on July 25, the storm's eye was located approximately 420 km southeast of Hong Kong, China, packing winds of Category 11-12 and gusts up to Category 15.

The storm is currently moving northwest at about 25 km/h. It is expected to make landfall in the southern part of China's Guangdong province by 10 p.m. on July 25, with its intensity remaining at Category 12 with gusts up to Category 15. By the morning of July 26, it is forecast to weaken to Category 10 after hitting land.

While Noul is primarily tracking towards China and is unlikely to directly impact Vietnam's mainland, its presence will cause significant sea disturbances. The northeastern waters of the northern East Sea will experience strong winds of Category 8-10 and waves of 3-5 meters. Near the storm's center, winds will reach Category 11-12 with gusts up to Category 15, and waves will be 5-7 meters high, creating extremely rough seas.