Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Typhoon Bang-lang Spins North of Wake Island

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Typhoon Bang-lang was spinning over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Wake Island on Saturday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Bang-lang was located at latitude 24.8°N and longitude 168.4°E which put the center about 335 miles (535 km) north-northeast of Wake Island.  Bang-lang was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

Typhoon Bang-lang intensified during Friday night.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern and northern parts of Bang-lang’s circulation.  Bands in the southwestern part of Typhoon Bang-lang consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Bang-land generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern part of Typhoon Bang-lang.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the eastern half of Bang-lang’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Typhoon Bang-lang.

Typhoon Bang-lang will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bang-lang will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is east of Japan.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Bang-lang’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Typhoon Bang-lang will start to weaken when the vertical wind shear increases.  Bang-lang will move over colder water on Sunday.  It will start to weaken more quickly when it moves over the colder water.  Typhoon Bang-lang will also start to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the weekend because of the effects of the vertical wind shear and the colder water.

The upper level trough east of Japan will steer Typhoon Bang-lang toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Bang-lang will move farther away from Wake Island.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Etau was north of Typhoon Bang-lang.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Ttopical Storm Etau was located at latitude 28.7°N and longitude 165.6°E which put the center about 615 miles (995 km) north of Wake Island.  Etau was moving toward the north at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Saudel Brings Wind and Rain to Eastern China

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Tropical Storm Saudel brought wind and rain to eastern China on Thursday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 28.0°N and longitude 120.3°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) west of Wenzhou, China.  Saudel was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

The center of Typhoon Saudel made landfall on the east coast of China east of Wenzhou on Thursday evening.  Saudel weakened to a tropical storm after it made landfall on the coast.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Saudel was still well organized.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel’s circulation.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (250 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Saudel.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean and eastern China.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Saudel will move inland over Zhejiang.

Tropical Storm Saudel will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Zhejang while it moves farther inland.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Saudel will also bring gusty winds locally heavy rain to southern parts of Anhui and northern sections of Jiangxi.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Etau formed north of Wake Island.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Etau was located at latitude 24.5°N and longitude 167.3°E which put the center about 335 miles (540 km) north of Wake Island.   Etau was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

 

Typhoon Saudel Moves Toward China

Typhoon Saudel moved toward the east coast of China on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 28.6°N and longitude 125.0°E which put the center about 230 miles (370 km) east of Taizhou, China.  Saudel was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

Typhoon Saudel weakened gradually on Wednesday as it moved toward the east coast of China.  Even though Saudel weakened, a circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of the typhoon.  The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was slightly less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased a little on Wednesday.

Although Typhoon Saudel weakened on Wednesday, the circulation around Typhoon Saudel was still large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saudel is 12.7.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 17.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 30.6. Typhoon Saudel is similar in intensity to Hurricane Dolly when Dolly hit South Texas in 2008.  Typhoon Saudel is much larger than Dolly was.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, Saudel will move through a mass of drier air that is east of China.  Typhoon Saudel is likely to continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours because of the effects of the drier air.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saudel will approach the east coast of China in 24 hours.

Typhoon Saudel will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Zhejiang.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Saudel could also cause a storm surge of up 8 feet (2.5 meters) along the coast of Zhejiang.

Typhoon Saudel Brings Wind and Rain to Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Saudel brought wind and rain to the Ryukyu Islands on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 27.4°N and longitude 128.5°E which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) east-northeast of Okinawa.  Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

A weather station in Okinoerabu, Japan reported a sustained wind speed of 69 m.p.h. (111 km/h).

A weather station in Imagi, Japan reported 7.75 inches (197 mm) of rain.

Typhoon Saudel was maintaining its intensity on Tuesday.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure remained nearly constant on Tuesday.

The circulation around Typhoon Saudel was still large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saudel is 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 24.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 40.7.  Typhoon Saudel is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Gustav when Gustav hit Louisiana in 2008.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, Saudel will move into a mass of drier air that is east of China.  Typhoon Saudel is likely to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours because of the effects of the drier air.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saudel will move slowly away from the Ryukyu Islands.  The center of Saudel will pass north of Taiwan in a couple of days.  Typhoon Saudel could make landfall on the east coast of China in three days.

Typhoon Saudel will continue to produce strong winds and locally heavy rain over the Ryukyu Islands as it moves slowly away from those islands.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Saudel Approaches Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Saudel was approaching the Ryukyu Islands on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 130.6°E which put the center about 205 miles (335 km) east of Okinawa.  Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

Typhoon Saudel was weakening slowly as it approached the Ryukyu Islands on Monday night.  The eye was no longer visible at the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Typhoon Saudel appeared to be pulling some drier air into the western side of its circulation.  Some of the thunderstorms in the bands in the western half of Typhoon Saudel were weaker because of the drier.  Storms near the center of Saudel still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  However, the removal of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased on Monday.

The circulation around Typhoon Saudel was still large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saudel is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 26.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 44.2. Typhoon Saudel is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Gustav when Gustav hit Louisiana in 2008.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, Saudel will continue to move into a mass of drier air that is east of China.  Typhoon Saudel is likely to continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours because of the effects of the drier air.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saudel will pass between Okinawa and Amami in 12 hours.

Typhoon Saudel is already producing strong winds and heavy rain in Minami Daito Jima.

Typhoon Saudel will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands including Okinawa and Amami.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

 

Typhoon Saudel Moves Toward Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Saudel moved toward the Ryukyu Islands on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 137.2°E which put the center about 670 miles (1085 km) east-southeast of Okinawa.  Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

Typhoon Saudel strengthened a little on Sunday as it moved toward the Ryukyu Islands.  A circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Saudel’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Saudel.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Saudel increased again on Sunday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saudel is 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 27.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 51.1.  Typhoon Saudel is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Wilma when Wilma hit South Florida in 2005.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Saudel could intensify during the next 24 hours unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.   If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form.  If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Typhoon Saudel to weaken, at least temporarily.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saudel will approach the Ryukyu Islands in 48 hours.

Typhoon Saudel Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Saudel strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Saturday at it moved west of the Marianas.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 144.2°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) west of Agrihan.  Saudel was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Typhoon Saudel strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Saturday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (30 km) was at the center of Saudel’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Saudel.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Saudel increased when Saudel strengthened.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saudel is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 40.7.  Typhoon Saudel is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Milton when Milton hit Florida in 2024.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Saudel will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Saudel could intensify rapidly at times.  Typhoon Saudel could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saudel will pass south of Iwo To in 18 hours.  Saudel could approach the Ryukyu Islands in three days.

Saudel Intensifies to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Saudel intensified to a typhoon east of the Marianas on Friday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Saudel was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 147.8°E which put the center about 160 miles (260 km) east-northeast of Saipan.   Saudel was moving toward the north-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

Typhoon Warnings are in effect for Pagan and Agrihan.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Alamagan.

A Typhoon Watch is also in effect for Alamagan.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Former Tropical Storm Saudel intensified to a typhoon on Friday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Saudel.  A circular eye formed at the center of Saudel’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Saudel.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern half of Typhoon Saudel.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the eastern half of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Typhoon Saudel.

Typhoon Saudel will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move into a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Saudel will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Saudel is likely to intensify rapidly at times.  Typhoon Saudel is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saudel will be near Agrihan and Pagan in less than 12 hours.

Typhoon Saudel will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Pagan and Agrihan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.  Saudel will also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Alamagan. Typhoon Saudel could bring gusty winds to Tinian and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Saudel Strengthens

Tropical Storm Saudel strengthened on Thursday as it moved east of the Marianas.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 148.7°E which put the center about 215 miles (350 km) east of Saipan.  Saudel was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Typhoon Warnings are in effect for Pagan and Agrihan.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Alamagan.

A Typhoon Watch is also in effect for Alamagan.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Saudel strengthened on Thursday.  Even though Saudel strengthened, the distribution of thunderstorms was still asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the southern half of Saudel’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Saudel consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Saudel was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the southern side of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Saudel.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move into a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Saudel will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Saudel could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Saudel is likely to strengthen to a typhoon on Friday.  Saudel could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Saudel will be near Agrihan and Pagan in less than 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Saudel will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Pagan and Agrihan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.  Saudel will also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Alamagan.  Tropical Storm Saudel could bring gusty winds to Tinian and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Saudel Forms Northeast of Chuuk

Tropical Storm Saudel formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean northeast of Chuuk on Wednesday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 8.9°N and longitude 153.9°E which put the center about 165 miles (265 km) northeast of Chuuk.  Saudel was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean northeast of Chuuk strengthened on Tuesday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Saudel.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Saudel was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Saudel’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Saudel consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Saudel generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Saudel was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern side of Saudel’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 45 miles in the northern side of Tropical Storm Saudel.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is east of the Marianas.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Saudel’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Saudel will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Saudel is forecast to strengthen to a typhoon later this week.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Saudel toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Saudel will pass north of Chuuk.  Saudel will be near the Northern Marianas in three days.