In-fa looming to become a super typhoon by Thursday

(NWS) Typhoon In-fa (30W) underwent a period of rapid intensification late, strengthening from a category-1 typhoon with 90 mph maximum

sustained winds early Monday afternoon to a powerful category-4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph by Monday evening.

In- fa could become a super typhoon by Thursday and maintain that intensity as it passes through the Northern Mariana Islands near Pagan Island on Friday.

At this time, there are no tropical storm or typhoon watches or warnings in effect.

This morning, In-fa has weakened a bit, likely due to being nearly stationary

and an upwelling of cooler water at the surface. Later today, In-fa is expected to pick up forward speed, moving west, then gradually turning toward the west-northwest as it begins to strengthen once again.

At 7 a.m. ChST, In-fa was located 190 miles north of Enewetak and 1180 miles east of Guam near 14.1N 162.4E. It was nearly stationary, moving west at 1 mph.

Maximum sustained winds were at 125 mph. Typhoon-force winds extend up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds extend up to 80 miles from the center.

After a lull in forward motion and intensification, In-fa is expected to begin moving generally west-northwest with an increase in forward speed, steadily strengthening the next couple of days as it nears the northern Mariana Islands.