Tropical disturbance brewing Southwest of Guam to track toward Marianas

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The National Weather Service  Guam Weather Forecast Office reported a busy weather pattern across the western North Pacific with two tropical disturbances, Invest 95W near Yap and Invest 96W east of Saipan.

The weather office said the system is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression as it moves northeast.

As currently forecast, 95W will track through, or near the Marianas to the northwest, in the coming days. Periods of heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are possible through the next 48 to 72 hours. Heavy showers and thunderstorms may bring wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph.

Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts are possible Wednesday through Thursday night, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph.

Guam and CNMI: As 95W is forecast to track near or through the Marianas in the next couple of days, the showery pattern will keep in place at least through Wednesday night, with isolated thunderstorms and the potential for locally heavy rainfall. Wind conditions will vary in the coming days as the influence from 96W shifts to 95W.

Gusty winds will be possible near heavier showers, particularly if/when 95W tracks closer to the Marianas. Seas and surf conditions are subsiding, but a high surf advisory and a Small Craft Advisory remain in effect through this afternoon.

Yap and Palau: Invest 95W will influence weather conditions at Yap and Palau the next few days until it pulls away toward the northeast. Expect showers, thunderstorms, locally heavy rainfall and gusty southwest winds across much of

Yap State at least through Wednesday. Gusts could reach up to 35 mph.

Similar conditions will persist across Palau, with west-to-southwest winds and gusts up to 25 mph through tonight. Weather conditions will improve late in the week as winds subside and shower coverage decreases. Winds will shift toward the north or northeast. High surf advisories are in effect through Wednesday morning for hazardous surf along north-facing reefs.

Chuuk, Pohnpeim Kosrae and Majuro: The ITCZ is generating areas of showers and a few thunderstorms across eastern FSM and the RMI.

Moderate trades across the region become light across Chuuk State, which sits on the eastern boundary of the broader pattern being influenced by Invests 95W and 96W. Surface troughs will push westward through the region

providing periods of showers in the coming days, with some showers being locally heavy at times. Seas and surf are subsiding across the region but a High surf advisory remains in effect for Pohnpei and Kosrae.

The Civil Defense Office issued the following advisory:

·         Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding;

·         Stay up to date with the latest information;

·         If driving in heavy rain, be alert for low visibilities and slippery roads;

·         Slow down where water is ponding on the road;

·         Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away;

·         Do not camp, park, or hike along streams and rivers. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

·         When thunder roars, get indoors. Tents, canopies and tarps are not safe shelter during thunderstorms.