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Tropical storm watch in effect for NMI
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Posted on Jan 14 2005
The National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam issued a tropical storm watch for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota yesterday after Tropical Depression 01W developed and continued to form just west of Chuuk.
The Emergency Management Office released a special weather advisory regarding the newly developed depression at 8am yesterday.
The storm watch means that tropical storm conditions with winds of 39 miles per hour or greater are possible for the next 48 hours.
As of press time, the center of the Tropical Depression 01W was located near latitude 5.7 degrees north and longitude 148 degrees east, or about 665 miles south-southeast of Saipan and Tinian; and 610 miles south-southeast of Rota.
The depression is moving northwest at 7 mph and is expected to continue to move in the direction with an increase in forward speed over the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds are 30 mph and are forecasted to intensify. EMO said the depression could intensify to tropical storm intensity during the next 24 hours.
“This system will steadily increase winds and seas this weekend and will bring numerous showers [tonight] and [tomorrow],” EMO said.
Coastal waters forecast for Saipan and Tinian today predicts east winds at 20 knots and combined seas—combination of swell and wind waves—at 10 to 12 feet. Tonight’s forecast features east winds at 20 knots with gusts of up to 30 knots and combined seas at 10 to 12 feet.
Forecast for Rota and Guam today feature east winds at 20 to 25 knots and combined seas of 10 to 12 feet, and east winds at 15 to 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots and combined seas at 10 to 12 feet for tonight.
In the advisory, Gov. Juan N. Babauta is advising the public to closely monitor the development of the storm.
“[Babauta] would also like to remind the general public especially fishermen, swimmers, surfers, marine tour operators, and beachgoers that due to high surf and windy conditions, they should avoid venturing near reef lines and exposed beaches where dangerous rip currents and high surf will cover,” EMO said.
