Wipha has remained steady but its winds are forecast to increase from 88 kph to 89-117 kph as it intensifies and hits the Gulf of Tonkin and Vietnam’s coast.

HANOI: Tropical Storm Wipha (Storm No. 3) is closing in on northern Vietnam after entering mainland southern China early on July 20, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and heightened risks of flash floods and landslides across large parts of the country.

Motorcycle riders were knocked over by strong winds in Vietnam as Typhoon Wipha swept through the region. Footage shows powerful gusts battering the road, with drivers halted as debris was blown across in Hanoi on July 19.

Wipha was a tropical storm over China Sunday evening Eastern time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said in its latest advisory. The tropical storm had sustained wind speeds of 52 miles per hour.

Tropical storm Wipha is closing in on Northern Vietnam, with its erratic path prompting urgent preparations in Quang Ninh province and the port city of Hai Phong to safeguard residents, infrastructure,