As of 7/15Z winds have increased to 165 kts. (190 mph). I would think this would have to be one of the strongest typhoons on record in the Western Pacific. I can't recall the last time I saw a 165 kt. typhoon. I sure wish we had recon flying in there - would be interesting to see what kind of central pressure they would find.

The storm has been gaining latitude and right now looks like a close call whether Haiyan will make landfall on extreme southern Samar or maybe stay just offshore and land in northern Leyte. Either way it looks like Tacloban City (pop. over 200,000) is going to be hit hard. The storm should then continue WNW across the Visayas mainly staying over water. The JTWC is still expecting it to be a 125 kt. typhoon as it leaves the islands. In a couple more days it should hit central Vietnam in a weakened but still dangerous state, maybe 90-100 kts.

News reports have been telling of massive evacuation efforts but I still have to think given the size and strength of this storm there is going to be a high casualty toll. Another problem is that Haiyan is going to cross an area that was hit hard by a severe earthquake last month, and thousands are still living in makeshift shelters.

Edit: The new 7/21Z advisory bumps the winds to 170 kts. (195 mph). Wow.