Tag Archives: Guam

Typhoon Koinu Moves Southeast of Hong Kong

Typhoon Koinu moved southeast of Hong Kong on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 115.3°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Koinu was moving toward the west-southwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 952 mb.

Typhoon Koinu intensified back to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong on Friday. A circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Koinu’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 revolved around the core of Typhoon Koinu. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

Wins to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Typhoon Koinu. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 285 miles (460 km) in the northeast quadrant of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) in the other parts of Typhoon Koinu. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Koinu was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.0. Typhoon Koinu was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Typhoon Koinu will move through an environment somewhat favorable for a strong typhoon during the next 24 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Koinu’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. The circulation around the northern side of Typhoon Koinu could draw in some drier air from China. Typhoon Koinu could maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours if the drier air does not reach the inner core of the circulation. Koinu is likely to weaken if the drier penetrates to the core of the circulation.

Typhoon Koinu will move will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Koinu slowly toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center Typhoon Koinu will move south of Hong Kong on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 15W formed east-southeast of Guam. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression 15W was located at latitude 9.9°N and longitude 154.2°E which put it about 700 miles (1130 km) east-southeast of Guam. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

Typhoon Saola Moves Toward Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved across the South China Sea toward Hong Kong on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 117.8°E which put it about 265 miles (430 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

Typhoon Saola maintained its intensity near the threshold of the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale in Tuesday. A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (30 km) was at the center of Saola’ circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Saola’s circulation. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Saola remained relatively constant on Wednesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Saola’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saola was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.2. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ian when Ian hit southwest Florida in 2022.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Saola has been in equilibrium with its environment and Saola could maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours unless concentric eyewalls form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Saola to weaken.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will closer to Hong Kong. The center of Saola could be near Hong Kong in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Haikui was southeast of Okinawa and Tropical Storm Kirogi developed rapidly east of the Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Haikui was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 485 miles (780 km) southeast of Okinawa. Haikui was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 154.2°E which put it about 650 miles (1050 km) east of Guam. Kirogi was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 996 mb.

Typhoon Mawar Gets Bigger and Stronger

Powerful Typhoon Mawar continued to get bigger and stronger on Thursday as it moved west of the Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 15.2°N and longitude 138.6°E which put it about 385 miles (625 km) west-northwest of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 225 m.p.h. (360 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 895 mb.

Typhoon Mawar continued to intensify on Thursday as it moved over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of the Marianas. A circular eye with a diameter of 26 miles (43 km) was present at the center of Mawar’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to continue to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon was large. Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 44.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 22.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 66.6. Typhoon Mawar was as strong as Hurricane Dorian was when Dorian hit the Bahamas in 2019. Mawar was much larger than Dorian was.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the 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. Typhoon Mawar is likely to maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then a new eyewall replacement cycle could cause Mawar to weaken temporarily.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. T he high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will continue to move farther away from the Marianas. Mawar could move south of the Ryukyu Islands by the end of the weekend.

Typhoon Mawar Strengthens to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Mawar strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the Western North Pacific Ocean west of the Marianas on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 14.6°N and longitude 142.2°E which put it about 145 miles (230 km) west-northwest of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 200 m.p.h. (320 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 910 mb.

Bands in the eastern side of Typhoon Mawar’s circulation were still producing gusty winds and locally heavy rain over parts of Guam on Thursday morning. A Flash Flood Warning was in effect for Guam.

Typhoon Mawar intensified after it moved west of the Marianas on Thursday morning. Mawar strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane. A circular eye with a diameter of 26 miles (43 km) was present at the center of Typhoon Mawar. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Mawar increased after an eyewall replacement cycle finished and Mawar intensified again. Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 36.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.6. Mawar was bigger and stronger than Hurricane Maria was when Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of 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. Typhoon Mawar could intensify during the next 24 hours unless a new eyewall replacement cycle begins.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will move farther away from the Marianas. Mawar could move south of the Ryukyu Islands in a few days.

Typhoon Mawar Hits Guam

Typhoon Mawar hit Guam early on Wednesday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 13.7°N and longitude 144.9°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) east-southeast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Mawar was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (265 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 937 mb.

Typhoon Warnings were in effect for Guam and Rota. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Typhoon Watches were also in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Powerful Typhoon Mawar brought strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Guam early on Wednesday. A weather station at the Guam International Airport (PGUM) reported a sustained wind speed of 71 m.p.h. (115 km/h) and a wind gust of 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h). Mawar was also bringing strong winds and rain to Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

Typhoon Mawar was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale when it hit Guam. The size of the circulation around Typhoon Mawar increased when an eyewall replacement cycle occurred in the the core of Mawar’s circulation. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (225 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 46.1. Mawar was not quite as strong as Hurricane Ida was when Ida hit Southeast Louisiana in 2021, but Mawar was bigger than Ida was.

Typhoon Mawar was in the latter stages of an eyewall replacement cycle when it hit Guam on early on Wednesday. A small circular eye was at the center of Mawar’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of mass continue to caused the surface pressure to remain low.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of 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. Typhoon Mawar could intensity during the next 24 hours after it completes the current eyewall replacement cycle.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will move away from the Marianas later today. Mawar will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan during the next few hours. Typhoon Mawar is capable of causing regional severe damage in Guam. Widespread power outages are possible. Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for Guam. Mawar will also cause a destructive storm surge along the coast of Guam. Weather conditions in the Marianas will improve slowly when the core of Typhoon Mawar moves farther to the west.

Powerful Typhoon Mawar Approaches Guam

Powerful Typhoon Mawar was approaching Guam on Tuesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 145.8°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 920 mb.

Typhoon Warnings were in effect for Guam and Rota. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Typhoon Watches were also in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Typhoon Mawar strengthened to the equivalent of a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was at the center of Mawar’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of mass continue to caused the surface pressure to remain low.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Mawar increased as Mawar appeared to go through a quick eyewall replacement cycle. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Mawar’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 48.9. Mawar was similar in intensity to Hurricane Ian when Ian hit Southwest Florida in 2022. Typhoon Mawar was a little smaller than Hurricane Ian was.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of 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. Typhoon Mawar could intensity a little more during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then another eyewall replacement cycle could begin. Another eyewall replacement cycle would cause Typhoon Mawar to weaken temporarily.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the core of Typhoon Mawar will reach Guam in 12 hours. Mawar will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the Marianas. Typhoon Mawar will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The core of Mawar with the strongest winds could move over Guam. Typhoon Mawar will be capable of causing regional severe damage when it reaches Guam. Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for Guam. Mawar will also cause a destructive storm surge along the coast of Guam. The subtropical high pressure system will steer Typhoon Mawar more toward the west-northwest after it moves west of Guam.

Typhoon Mawar Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Mawar rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Guam on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 10.8°N and longitude 146.7°E which put it about 255 miles (410 km) south-southeast of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 947 mb.

Typhoon Warnings were in effect for Guam and Rota. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Typhoon Watches were also in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Typhoon Mawar rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Monday. A small circular eye was present at the center of Mawar’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of mass continue to cause the surface pressure to decrease quickly.

The circulation around Typhoon Mawar was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Mawar’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.4. Mawar was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of the axis of an upper level ridge over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Mawar is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. 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 could cause Typhoon Mawar to weaken temporarily.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will approach Guam in than 24 hours. Mawar is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the Marianas. Typhoon Mawar will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Mawar will be capable of causing regional severe damage when it reaches Guam. Typhoon Mawar will start to move south of a subtropical high pressure system when it approaches the Marianas. The subtropical high will steer Mawar more toward the west-northwest later this week.

Typhoon Mawar Prompts Warning for Guam

Typhoon Mawar prompted the issuance of a Typhoon Warning for Guam on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 10.3°N and longitude 146.8°E which put it about 290 miles (465 km) south-southeast of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 964 mb.

Typhoon Warning were in effect for Guam and Rota. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Typhoon Watches were also in effect for Tinian and Saipan.

Typhoon Mawar continued to intensify on Monday morning. A small circular eye formed at the center of Mawar’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Mawar. Storms near the core of Mawar’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Mawar was small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Mawar’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (190 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Mawar was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.0. Mawar was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of the axis of an upper level ridge over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Mawar will intensify during the next 36 hours. Mawar could intensify more rapidly at times. Typhoon Mawar is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 36 hours.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the north-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will approach Guam in 36 hours. Mawar could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the Marianas. Typhoon Mawar will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Mawar will move south of a subtropical high pressure system when it approaches the Marianas. The subtropical high will steer Mawar more toward the west-northwest later this week.

Mawar Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Mawar strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Guam on Sunday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Mawar was located at latitude 8.3°N and longitude 148.1°E which put it about 455 miles (735 km) south-southeast of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 978 mb.

Typhoon Watches were in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

The circulation around Typhoon Mawar exhibited better organization on Sunday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern, western and southern sides of the center of Mawar’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm in all directions. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) in the southern half of Mawar’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Typhoon Mawar.

Typhoon Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western end of the axis of an upper level ridge over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Mawar will intensify during the next 48 hours. Mawar could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form. Typhoon Mawar could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 48 hours.

Typhoon Mawar will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the north-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Mawar will approach the Marianas in 48 hours. Mawar could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the Marianas. Typhoon Mawar will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Mawar Develops South-southeast of Guam

Tropical Storm Mawar developed over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Guam on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Mawar was located at latitude 6.4°N and longitude 149.1°E which put it about 595 miles (960 km) south-southeast of Guam. Mawar was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 993 mb.

Typhoon Watches were in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

Former Tropical Depression 02W strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Mawar. The circulation around Tropical Storm Mawar was organizing quickly. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Mawar’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Mawar.

Tropical Storm Mawar will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Mawar will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western end of the axis of an upper level ridge over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Mawar will intensify during the next 48 hours. Mawar could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form. Tropical Storm Mawar is likely to strengthen to a typhoon within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Mawar will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Mawar toward the north-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Mawar will affect Pulawat during the next 24 hours. Mawar will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Pulawat. Tropical Storm Mawar will approach the Marianas in 72 hours. Mawar will be a typhoon when it approaches the Marianas, which is why Typhoon Watches were issued for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.