While a tropical depression is picking up strength on its way toward mainland Vietnam, another storm has formed in the East Vietnam Sea, threatening to bring a series of bad weather patterns to the region.

According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression, which took shape on Friday, was located some 120 kilometers north of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago as of Saturday night.

The low pressure system, packing winds of 50 to 60km per hour and squalls of up to 88km an hour, was traveling northwestward at 5km per hour.

It is forecast to make landfall on China’s Hainan Island on Monday before heading toward the Gulf of Tonkin.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Roke formed in the northern part of the East Vietnam Sea on Saturday, located around 460km southeast of Hong Kong in the evening.

The storm carries strong winds of 60 to 75km per hour and is predicted to make landfall on Guangdong, having few influences on Vietnam.

According to Le Thanh Hai, deputy director of the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, Storm Roke is not likely to interact with the tropical depression.

The low pressure system will cause downpours in the northern part of Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday, Hai continued.

The northern region of the East Vietnam Sea will have rough seas, whereas the southern part is expected to be affected with less intensity.

Rain will dampen coastal provinces in the Mekong Delta, the weather pundit added.

Ships have been ordered to take shelter for their own safety.

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