The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported the system was located east of Hainan Island at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
It was moving west at 5 to 10 kph, sustaining maximum winds of 49 kph with gusts up to 74 kph.
Forecasts indicate the system will maintain its westward trajectory and speed over the next 24 hours, positioning its center over northern Hainan Island.
Its intensity is expected to remain steady as it crosses the island, packing sustained winds of 39 to 49 kph and gusts reaching up to 74 kph.
By 7 a.m. on Saturday, the depression is expected to slow to around 5 kph and shift west-northwest, centering over the waters east of the Gulf of Tonkin.
