Storm Conson may become typhoon

Packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour, Tropical Storm Conson is gaining strength and moving northwest closer to Saipan, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Guam.

As of 7pm yesterday, Conson’s center was 390 miles south-southeast of Minami Tori Shima or about 675 miles east-northeast of Saipan or 785 miles east-northeast of Guam.

As of 1pm yesterday, Conson’s center was 420 miles south-southeast of Minami Tori Shima or about 700 miles east-northeast of Saipan or 800 miles east-northeast of Guam.

Conson is expected to turn slowly north last night and Thursday with a slow increase in forward speed. It is expected to gradually strengthen over the next few days and may become a typhoon on Friday.

NWS warned mariners out on the Guam coastal waters to stay below deck if thunder is heard as dangerous lightning is possible with the heavy showers.