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Tropical storm spotted
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Posted on Jul 22 2005
People hoping to go out on picnics this weekend better postpone their plans, as the rainy weather experienced the entire week is expected to stretch well into the weekend.
A tropical depression spotted west-northwest of Guam has been upgraded to a tropical storm as of 1pm yesterday afternoon. Tropical Storm 07W or Banyan is currently located well west of the Marianas and slowly moving northward.
Banyan was spotted about 500 miles west-northwest of Guam and drifting north-northeast at 3 mph as of 7am yesterday, but the Emergency Management Office said later in the day that weather conditions will slowly improve, with winds subsiding, showers and thunderstorm decreasing as Banyan moves farther north over the weekend.
No watches or warning are currently in effect but the small craft and high surf advisory remain in effect for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Winds will continue from the south at 23 to 29 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Surf will remain hazardous at 8 to 10 feet. Wind waves and southwest swell will maintain high seas through Sunday.
This disturbed weather is producing cloudy to mostly cloudy skies, with occasional heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. EMO also projects breezy weather from time to time, with winds from the south at 20 to 25 miles per hour.
EMO is advising residents, especially sea tour operators and divers, of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to avoid venturing near reef and exposed beaches as wind and wave condition support dangerous rip currents.
A lightning risk warning is also in effect. Cloud-to-ground lightning was projected for yesterday and last night. EMO is advising residents to avoid being in the water during heavy rain or when people see lighting. Motorist are advised to take extra precautionary measures when driving in heavy rain.
