Tropical Storm Hagupit to pass near or over Yap tonight

(NWS)--At 7 a.m. ChST, in the NWS Guam Public Advisory #9, Tropical Storm Hagupit (05W) was located just 25 miles east of Sorol, in western Yap State, near 8.2N 140.8E. This was 110 miles south of Fais and 205 miles east-southeast of Yap.

It was moving west-northwest, at 285 degrees, at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds remain 40 mph. Hagupit is expected to continue in this general direction

with no change in forward speed. Hagupit could still see some intensification

through Saturday, but may be nearing peak intensity. It is not expected to attain typhoon strength in its lifespan.

Hagupit remains on a track to pass near, or over, Yap Proper overnight, tonight. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for Yap Proper, Ngulu, Ulithi and Fais. This means that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of

39 to 73 mph, are expected within 24 hours. Warnings for Faraulep and Woleai have been canceled.

Residents across western Yap State should finalize preparedness plans and actions by midday today (earlier for Fais and Ulithi), and seek safe shelter in a hardened building or home (not constructed of wood and/or tin). Avoid inter-

island travel until Tropical Storm Hagupit has passed. Weather conditions will quickly begin to deteriorate as leading rain bands near islands of western Yap State. Keep up to date with the latest weather information from WSO Yap,

WFO Guam; and information from Yap State DCO.

From the 9:21 am ChST Local Statement for Yap & Ngulu: Strong northeasterlies are rapidly increasing as Hagupit approaches and enters the area today, initially for Yap, then Ngulu shortly thereafter. The current forecast track has TS Hagupit passing between Yap and Ngulu, with Yap expected to see the stronger winds, especially tonight.

Tropical storm force winds of 35 to 45 mph are expected starting around

this evening as Hagupit approaches, then increasing to 50 mph coming from the north to northeast.

The current forecast has TS winds departing Yap and Ngulu on Saturday afternoon as Hagupit moves farther to the west-northwest, with moderate to fresh south to southeast winds with occasionally near gale-force gusts in its

wake.

Periods of heavy rainfall are likely as Hagupit passes nearby, with the

heaviest showers expected closer to the center, along the northeastern to eastern flanks. Rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is possible near the center, with locally higher amounts, and may produce localized flooding. Seas of 10 to 15 feet

are likely to develop quickly as Hagupit makes its way across the area. For more Information: