Super Typhoon Halong has continued to strengthen and now has max winds of 155 knots (180 mph) as it moves north-northwestward over the western North Pacific ESE of Iwo To. This makes Halong the strongest western North Pacific typhoon of the 2019 season.
Halong is a very dangerous storm but very small in size. Currently hurricane force winds extend outward only 15-20 nm with 50 knot winds outward 30-35 nm. The max significant wave height is estimated to be 47 feet (14.3 meters).
Halong continues to be in a favorable environment with low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures. Halong should move northward over the next 12 hours then gradually recurve north-northeast then northeastward and accelerate.
Halong should be near its peak intensity with gradual weakening likely to begin within 12 hours.