Local Warning of Tropical Cyclone

Latest report just in..

The latest reports show 'Typhoon Nesat' is heading towards the north of Vietnam, with projections to move through Halong bay and travel towards Hanoi. A category 1-2 typhoon, Nesat is due to pass over Hainan during the night of Friday 30 September - 1 October, making landfall as a weakened tropical storm with showers in the region evident from Thursday 29. Heavy rain and winds (at 65 knots currently) can be expected over the sea, though will weaken considerably on reaching land. Refrain from boarding small vessels at sea whilst flash floods are a possible risk in mountainous areas so hiking should be postponed.

Take care when walking outside due to flying debris in the stronger winds. Vietnam experiences such storms every year, at times they may affect scheduled programs, however they do not represent a real danger for clients and tourists in the area if they remain indoors at their peak.

Main effects:

• HALONG BAY: Halong Bay cruises are definitely the weakest link in case of storms. We will see the cancellation of cruises as early as Thursday afternoon as authorities and boat companies will not take any risks having boats out at sea. In such cases the night will be spent either in Halong City or in Hanoi. Hotels and cruise companies are usually very flexible on cancellations/changes due to storms and it will allow us to minimize or completely avoid any extra fees.
• HANOI: Rain coats will have to be purchased - they are sold at every corner the moment the first rain drop falls - and visits in town might have to be shortened/modified if rain is too heavy. At the height of the storm and if conditions are bad, the best option will be to stay inside and enjoy the hotel facilities or a nice café sitting out a couple of hours.
• HANOI airport: Flights at the height of the storm on Friday night and Saturday might see some delays but we do not expect a longer closure of the airport as storms weaken once they hit land and Hanoi is positioned 130 km inland. We will monitor the situation regularly and inform every agent directly, with clients present or arriving into Vietnam, on specific details regarding arrangements and alternatives if needed.

Tropical cyclone warnings Bulletin issued at 10:31 L.T. 29-09-2011
Here is the latest tropical cyclone advisory bulletin issued by the Macau Meteorogical and Geophysical Bureau.

A tropical cyclone alert is now in effect and the signal no. 8SE is hoisted. This means that The center of a tropical cyclone is nearing and winds recorded in MSAR, from the quarter indicated, may possibly range from 63 to 117 km/h with gusts reaching about 180 km/h. At 10:00, (1117) Typhoon "NESAT" was estimated to be about 290 kilometres SSW of Macau (near 19.8°N, 112.3°E).

It is forecast to move NW at around 20.0km/h. Signal No.8SE was hoisted at 10:30 L.T. on the 29 of September. Precautionary announcements with signal no. 8SE: Classes of all schools are suspended.

Children should remain indoors. Doors and windows should be safely bolted. Conclude all precautionary safety measures. Bridges will close to all traffics at any moment, pending prior notice. Television and radio stations broadcast round-the-clock.

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