Weather update: 16W now Tropical Storm Podul, likely to pass near Maug

Tropical storm watches remain in effect for Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan Islands

(NWS)--Tropical Depression 16W was upgraded overnight to a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

Earlythis morning, the Japan Meteorological Agency assigned the name “Podul” to 16W. Podul means “willow” or “willow tree” and originates

from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).

At 7 a.m ChST, Tropical Storm Podul was located 65 miles north-northeast of Agrihan, 110 miles north of Pagan, 315 miles north of Saipan and 435 miles north of Guam near 19.7N 145.9E.

It was moving northwest at 10 mph,with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

Podul will continue northwest today, passing near Maug in the northern

CNMI, then make an eventual turn toward the west in the coming days, possibly on a course to approach the northern Philippines, Taiwan and/or islands of southwestern Japan. Podul will steadily strengthen through the weekend and

could become a typhoon Sunday.

Agrihan/Pagan/Alamangan: Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan Islands. This means that tropical storm-force conditions (maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or more) are possible. Based on the current storm wind field and location, tropical storm force winds are not expected for these islands, but do remain a possibility.

Heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds over these islands are pulling away as Podul continues northwestward, likely passing by Maug around midday today. Weather and sea conditions should rapidly improve across the three islands tonight.

Guam/CNMI: Tropical Storm Podul remains well north of Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Based on its compact size and distance from the region, direct impacts are not expected to Guam and the southern CNMI. However, these locations could see spotty showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly near or over Guam during the midday/afternoon hours, due to the light wind pattern present. As always, residents should always keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, discussions and conditions from NWS Guam at www.weather.gov/gum.