Though tropical storm Nock-ten has lost its strength in the East Vietnam Sea, people in the central part of Vietnam still may have to welcome the New Year under torrential rains.

As of Tuesday night, storm Nock-ten weakened into a tropical depression and was located about 190 kilometers north of Song Tu Tay Island, part of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago in the East Vietnam Sea, according to the National Center for Hydro- meteorological Forecasting.

The low-pressure system is forecast to travel southwestward at a velocity of 20km per hour before becoming a low-pressure zone north of the Truong Sa islands.

Under the combined effect of the storm circulation and cold spell coming from the north, central Vietnamese provinces will be dampened with torrential rains from December 29 to January 1, 2017, with rainfall totaling 100 to 300 millimeters.

Water level at local rivers is anticipated to rise, posing risks of flooding in nearby areas, especially in localities from the central province of Quang Nam to the south-central Phu Yen Province.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control held a meeting with local authorities on Tuesday morning to prepare preventive measures for the coming wave of flooding.

Fishing boats operating offshore have been advised to find shelter and stay away from dangerous zones.

Local farmers have also been guided to adjust their plant their crops after the rainy period in order to minimize losses. 

Residents in northern region will welcome their new year in chilly weather  brought about by the cold front as temperature will be between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius in the mainland, including Hanoi, and under 10 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas.

Brisk weather has also been forecast in southern Vietnam in the next couple of days.

Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City was recorded at 21 degree Celsius on Wednesday morning and is predicted to continue dropping tonight, weather experts have said said.

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