Typhoon “Goni” strengthens on its way toward the Philippines and Taiwan landfall

Tropical Depression 16W was located east of Guam, North Pacific Ocean on August 14, 2015 when it was renamed Tropical Storm "Goni".

On August 15, Goni passed between Rota and Saipan, Northern Mariana Island bringing tropical storm-force winds to both islands. The system reached typhoon strength by 15:00 UTC on August 16, and is somewhat following the path of deadly Typhoon "Soudelor".

Typhoon "Goni" forecast track by JTWC on August 17, 2015.

By current forecasts, Goni is expected to make landfall over northern Taiwan early August 23 (UTC) as a Category 3 or 2 hurricane equivalent.

At 15:00 UTC on August 17, Typhoon "Goni" had maximum sustained winds near 213 km/h (132.3 mph). The system was moving to the west-northwest at 22.2 km/h (13.8 mph).

JTWC forecast calls for Goni to strengthen to 240 km/h (149 mph) by August 20. It is expected to pass close to Luzon, Philippines on August 20 and then turn to the northwest toward northern Taiwan.

Meanwhile, another typhoon is strengthening east of Goni – Typhoon "Atsani". 

At 15:00 UTC on August 17, Typhoon "Atsani" had maximum sustained winds near 175.9 km/h (109.3 mph). It was centered about 663 km (412 miles) north-northwest of Ujelang, moving to the north-northwest at 11.1 km/h (6.9 mph).

JTWC expects Atsani to intensify up to 240 km/h (149 mph) by August 20 before weakening.

Typhoon "Atsani" forecast track by JTWC on August 17, 2015.

Typhoons Goni and Atsani on August 17, 2015. Image credit: UW-CIMSS.

Featured image: Typhoons Goni and Atsani on August 17, 2015. Image credit: UW-CIMSS.