Storm watch in effect
The tropical depression that has been hovering north of Chuuk has consolidated into a tropical depression, resulting in a tropical storm watch placed in effect for the Mariana Islands yesterday morning, according to the Emergency Management Office.
“This system is producing numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms for the Northern Marianas and will strengthen,” the EMO said. “[It] is expected to slowly pass to the east of the Marianas during the next few days.”
The tropical storm watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, meaning tropical storm conditions with sustained winds of 39mph or more are possible within the next 48 hours for these areas.
As of 1pm yesterday, Tropical Depression Ting Ting 11W was located near latitude 12.0 degrees north and longitude 151.1 degrees east, about 460 miles east-southeast of Saipan, 480 miles east-southeast of Guam, and 290 miles north of Chuuk.
“Considerable uncertainty exists with regard to the forecast track. Continued westward movement could cause this system to move close enough to bring tropical storm conditions to the southern Marianas,” the EMO said.
As of press time, the depression was moving west-northwest at 6mph. A gradual turn toward the north is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours. Maximum sustained winds were 35mph with gusts to 45mph, and was expected to intensify and become a tropical storm later yesterday.
“Motorists are advised to take caution while driving on the roadways, as well as residents on low-lying prone areas for possible flooding,” the EMO said.
Forecast for Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam today expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms, with northwest winds of ranging between 15 to 25mph with highs around 86.
Further, the coastal marine forecast today for Saipan and Tinian indicate northeast winds of 10 to 20 knots with waves of four to six feet and southwest swells of eight to nine feet.
Today’s forecast for waters off of Guam and Rota feature northwest winds 10 to 20 knots with wind waves four to six feet and west swells seven to nine feet.
