Tropical Storm Surigae Develops Southwest of Yap

Tropical Storm Surigae developed southwest of Yap on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Surigae was located at latitude 8.2°N and longitude 137.1°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) west-southwest of Ngulu. Serigae was moving toward the northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 1000 mb.

Former Tropical Depression 02W strengthened southwest of Yap on Tuesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Surigae. The circulation around Tropical Storm Surigae exhibited more organization on satellite images. Thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation. More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Surigae. Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Surigae will be in an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Surigae will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures will be near 30°C. It will be under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. The circulation around Tropical Storm Surigae will continue to get better organized. Surigae will intensify and it could strengthen to a typhoon within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Surigae will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next few days. The high will steer Surigae toward the northwest during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Surigae will pass north of Palau. Bands on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Surigae could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Yap. Persistent heavy rain could cause flash floods. Surigae could be east of the Philippines by late this week.