Tropical Cyclone Tino has emerged east of the Philippines, prompting officials to issue a nationwide alert as the storm rapidly intensifies. Known locally as Kalmaegi, Tino is projected to reach typhoon strength before making landfall early this week, marking the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines in 2023.
The weather system entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Sunday, boasting sustained winds of 52 mph (84 km/h) with gusts reaching 65 mph. Tracking westward, Tino is anticipated to strengthen into a typhoon within the next 24 hours, with landfall expected over the Caraga region or Eastern Visayas by Tuesday morning.
As Tino interacts with the northeast monsoon, eastern provinces are braced for significant rainfall amounts between 50-100 mm, raising concerns about flash flooding and landslides in susceptible areas. Much of Visayas and Mindanao are set to experience powerful winds and heavy rains, leaving residents on high alert for the storm’s potential impact.
In response to the storm, sea travel has been halted in Surigao del Norte and surrounding islands due to rough wave conditions. Authorities have also implemented school and business closures, advising coastal communities to evacuate to safer locations. After traversing the Philippines, Tino is expected to clear the archipelago and re-enter the West Philippine Sea, continuing its path towards Vietnam later in the week.
In a related event, southeast Queensland faced the wrath of a powerful supercell storm on Saturday. This weather phenomenon unleashed hailstones comparable to tennis balls, some measuring up to 90 mm (3.5 inches), resulting in shattered windows, damaged vehicles, and extensive structural harm. Reports of injuries emerged as the storm brought intense rainfall, frequent lightning, and high winds that toppled trees and disrupted power lines across the area.
The supercell was fueled by a unique combination of atmospheric conditions, including a low-pressure trough that triggered potent updrafts and a northerly airflow off the Coral Sea that fed warm, moisture-rich air into the system. The clash between warmer surface temperatures and cooler upper air masses created significant instability, further amplified by strong wind shear that intensified the thunderstorms.
As the week progresses, additional stormy weather is anticipated, with rain expected to sweep across the Northern Territory and tropical Queensland, extending down to Tasmania. The dual challenges posed by Tino in the Philippines and severe weather in Australia underscore the unpredictable nature of climate systems in the region, reminding communities of the importance of preparedness in the face of such natural events.