Typhoon Lingling, ongoing between Taiwan and Japan, spectacularly strengthened from a Category 1 to Category 2 equivalent system to a Category 4 equivalent Super Typhoon – in only 6 hours.
*Tropical* Spectacular view of the central dense overcast and eye of Super Typhoon #Lingling late on September 5th! More on this system shortly! Video: NOAA RAMMB CIRA pic.twitter.com/QwHW6JFtWF
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) September 5, 2019
Lingling skyrocketed from a CAT2-equivalent to CAT4-equivalent system in only 6 hours late on September 5th! Indeed, satellite imagery showed impressive structure, with a well-developed, extensive central dense overcast and an impressive, well-defined eye. Peak sustained winds increased from 105 mph (169 km/h) to 130 mph (209 km/h). It tracked directly across Miyakojima island (Japan), where veteran hurricane chaser James Reynolds captured spectacular footage – including the rarely observed stadium effect when the eye was tracking across the island.
Video of the incredible towering eye wall of #typhoon #Lingling as the eye passes over Miyakojima #Japan pic.twitter.com/CrvOF3uEVN
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) September 5, 2019
Below is some great footage by Reynolds of the full force of Lingling, with increasingly powerful winds in successive reports:
Wind gusts really packing a punch now, come in sudden bursts #typhoon #Lingling #Miyakojima #Japan pic.twitter.com/rWss9RUtrF
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) September 5, 2019
Hiding in a stairwell #typhoon #lingling pic.twitter.com/LbZoMQJJAP
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) September 5, 2019
Ferocious eyewall winds hitting Miyakojima now #typhoon #Lingling #japan pic.twitter.com/oJEZCreVGT
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) September 5, 2019
Super Typhoon Lingling will track north over the East China Sea into the Yellow Sea in the next two days, likely retaining significant strength. Possible landfall in North Korea early on Saturday, although track is somewhat uncertain.