SOUTHERN INDIAN OCEAN - NASA's RapidScat Sees System 98S Organizing

From NASA's Hurricane Web Page:

SOUTHERN INDIAN OCEAN - NASA's RapidScat Sees System 98S Organizing

System 98S is organizing in the Southern Indian Ocean and NASA's RapidScat instrument analyzed the low pressure area's surface winds. 

At 0730 UTC (2:30 a.m. EST) System 98S was centered near 9.0 south and 106.6 east, about
173 nautical miles south of Jakarta. Satellite imagery revealed a compact low-level circulation center with persistent deep convective banding of thunderstorms that are beginning to wrap
tightly into the system. 

RapidScat data depicts a fairly symmetric wind field with 25 to 30 knot winds over the eastern semi-circle, enhanced by topographic effects. The upper level environment Is favorable for development with moderate (15 to 20 knots) vertical eind shear offset by excellent upper level divergence over the system. Maximum sustained surface winds are estimated at 25 to 30 knots. Minimum sea level pressure is estimated to be near 1000 millibars.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center gives System 98S a high chance of becoming a depression in the next 24 hours.