Typhoon Koinu is expected to enter the East Vietnam Sea on Thursday evening, making it the fourth storm to hit Vietnam this year, according to the national weather center.

Koinu was centered off the southern coast of Taiwan at 7:00 am on Thursday, packing winds blowing 166 kilometers per hour, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

At the time, the storm was moving westward at some 10 kilometers per hour.

After entering the East Vietnam Sea, it will likely maintain the westward drift before eventually weakening.

By 7:00 am on Friday, Koinu could be some 190 kilometers southeast of China’s Guangdong Province.

Over the next 72 hours, it is forecast to move westward and run along the coast of southeastern Guangdong before losing its strength.

The national weather center predicted that the storm may leave little impact on the mainland in Vietnam and would mostly affect fishing vessels.

The northern part of the East Vietnam Sea is expected to see increased strong winds and rough seas from Thursday afternoon.

Also, rainstorms are forecast in the area on Thursday night, along with scattered showers, thunderstorms, and whirlwinds from the coastal areas running from Ca Mau Province to Kien Giang Province, both located in southern Vietnam.

Powerful winds and high waves could take a toll on all fishing boats and other activities taking place in the affected areas.

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