&sq=&lang=&file=File:Mekkhala_2008-09-29_0612Z.jpg) Tropical Storm Mekkhala approaching Vietnam on September 29 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 27, 2008 |
| Dissipated | September 30, 2008 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 85 km/h (50 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 990 hPa (mbar); 29.23 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 982 hPa (mbar); 29.00 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 16 direct |
| Damage | $6.6 million (2008 USD) |
| Areas affected | Vietnam, Laos, Thailand |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2008 Pacific typhoon season | |
Tropical Storm Mekkhala was recognised as the 16th Tropical Storm of the 2008 Pacific typhoon season by the Japan Meteorological Agency who are the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the North Western Pacific Ocean. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) have also recognised Mekkhala as the 20th tropical depression, and the 18th tropical storm of the 2008 Pacific typhoon season.
On September 25 the Joint Typhoon Warning Center identified a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Tonkin. On September 27 the Japan Metrological Agency, reported that the disturbance had become a tropical depression whilst the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. During the next day the JTWC designated the depression as 20W. The JMA reported that the depression had intensified into Tropical Storm Mekkhala on September 29. Later that day the JTWC also upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm status. Early the next day the JMA reported that Mekkhala had intensified into a severe tropical storm. Later that day the JMA downgraded Mekkhala to a tropical storm and then both the JTWC and the JMA reported that Mekkhala had weakened into a tropical depression as they released their final advisories. Within their best track the JMA reported that Mekkhala had never reached severe tropical storm status.