With a history that included being the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the United States this year, Yutu is finally losing its punch as it makes a final rendezvous with China. The storm blew through the United States Commonwealth territory which included Saipan and Tinian last week as a severe Category 5 storm, killing 2 people as it did so while destroying many homes, businesses, and government structures. As the storm passed through the Philippines, widespread landslides killed at least 6 people and left more than 23 others missing.
Once a high-end Category 5 storm, the once super typhoon has weakened to a tropical storm. The system is forecast to meander around the South China sea for the rest of the week. While its latest strike in the Philippines took a lot of energy out of the system, it is forecast to strengthen back to typhoon status as it sits over the warmer waters of the South China sea. Eventually, coastal China and Taiwan will see the impacts from Yutu as the week draws to a close, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and the threat of mudslides and coastal flooding.
