Weather office expands support in Micronesia

The National Weather Service Forecast Office at Tiyan, Guam will expand its current tropical cyclone support in Micronesia effective June 1, 2004.

The Weather Forecast Office currently issues tailored tropical storm and typhoon products for 31 islands in Micronesia.

These islands include Guam; Saipan; Rota; Tinian, and Agrihan in the CNMI; Koror, Kayangel, and Sonsorol in the Republic of Palau; the atolls of Majuro, Kwajalein, Ailingalaplap, Jaluit, Wotje, Utirik, Enewetak, Ujelang, and Mili in the Republic of the Marshall Islands; Yap, Ulithi, Ngulu, Woleai, Satawal, and Sorol in Yap State, FSM; Chuuk (Weno Island), Puluwat, and Lukunor in Chuuk State, FSM; Pohnpei, Pingalap, and Mwoakilloa in Pohnpei State, FSM; Kosrae State, FSM; and Wake Island.

At the request of the national and state governments, nine new islands will be added and two that no longer support populations will be eliminated. The islands of Fais and Fareulap will be added in Yap State, while Sorol will be eliminated. The islands of Ulul in Namunweitto Atoll, Fananu in the Hall Islands, and Losap in the Upper Mortlocks will be added in Chuuk State. In Pohnpei State, Pakin, Sapwuafik, and Nukuoro will be included. In the Marshall Islands, Ujae will be added and Ujelang will be eliminated. These changes will expand tropical cyclone support to a total of 38 locations in Micronesia.

Each of the new locations will receive tropical storm and typhoon watches and warnings through the issuance of public advisories, when necessary.

• A tropical storm watch is set when damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible from a tropical storm in the next 48 hours.

• A typhoon watch is set when damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible from a typhoon in the next 48 hours.

• A tropical storm warning is set when damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected from a tropical storm in the next 24 hours.

The island populations will also receive tailored information including the expected winds and potential wind-damage, storm surge and potential inundation, and rainfall and mudslide-potential through the issuance of typhoon local statement.

The Weather Forecast Office Guam is one of 122 weather forecast offices located across the United States. It has been Guam, the CNMI, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands since 1995.