COASTAL AREAS FACE TWO TROPICAL STORMS

Coastal areas in China are bracing for the impact of two tropical storms that are forecast to strike in the coming days. On 4 August 2009 Tropical Storm Goni was located approximately 80 mi/130 km south-southwest of Hong Kong in the South China Sea with maximum sustained winds of 46 mph/40 kt and gusts of up to 58 mph/50 kt. According to meteorologists the storm could strengthen before making landfall to the west of Hong Kong on the 5th August. It is expected to weaken and dissipate over land. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Morakot has developed in the East China Sea and is projected to make landfall south of Shanghai on 7 or 8 August. As of 4th August, Morakot was located approximately 545 mi/875 km east-southeast of Okinawa, Japan. Wind speeds are estimated at 46 mph/40 kt with gusts of up to 58 mph/50 kt.