Tag Archives: Marianas

Typhoon Sinlaku Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Typhoon Sinlaku intensified to the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Sinlaku was located at latitude 11.4°N and longitude 149.9°E which put the center about 410 miles (660 km) east-southeast of Guam.  Sinlaku was moving toward the north-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 175 m.p.h. (285 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 205 m.p.h. (335 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 902 mb.

Typhoon Warnings were in effect for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Guam.

A Typhoon Watch was also in effect for Guam.

Typhoon Sinlaku rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was as the center of Sinlaku’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 Sinlaku.  Storms near the center of Sinlaku generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Sinlaku was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of Typhoon Sinlaku.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Sinlaku is 40.4.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 21.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 61.7.  Typhoon Sinlaku is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Maria when Maria was at its peak strength in 2017.

Typhoon Sinlaku will move through an environment favorable for a very powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Sinlaku is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.  Sinlaku could weaken if the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall.  If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Typhoon Sinlaku to weaken.

Typhoon Sinlaku will move around the western part of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Sinlaku toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Sinlaku will approach the Marianas in less than 35 hours.

Typhoon Sinlaku will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches the Marianas.  Sinlaku will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.   Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Sinlaku could also cause a storm surge of up to 17 feet (5.1 meters) along parts of the coasts of the Marianas.

Typhoon Sinlaku Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Sinlaku intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane as it moved southeast of the Marianas on Saturday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Sinlaku was located at latitude 10.2°N and longitude 151.0°E which put the center about 505 miles (815 km) east-southeast of Guam.  Sinlaku was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 944 mb.

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

Typhoon Sinlaku continued to strengthen on Saturday evening as it moved toward the southern Marianas.  A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was as the center of Sinlaku’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 Sinlaku.  Storms near the center of Sinlaku generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Sinlaku was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Typhoon Sinlaku.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Sinlaku was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 21.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.8.

Typhoon Sinlaku will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Sinlaku will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku could intensify rapidly at times.  Typhoon Sinlaku could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5  hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale during the next 36 hours.

Typhoon Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Sinlaku will approach the southern Marianas in less than 48 hours.

Typhoon Sinlaku will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches the southern Marianas.  Sinlaku will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Typhoon Sinlaku could also cause a storm surge of up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) along parts of the coasts of the southern Marianas.

Sinlaku Causes Typhoon Watch for Guam

The threat posed by Typhoon Sinlaku caused a Typhoon Watch to be issued for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Sinlaku was located at latitude 9.2°N and longitude 150.9°E which put the center about 535 miles (865 km) southeast of Guam.  Sinlaku was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 965 mb.

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

Typhoon Sinlaku continued to strengthen on Saturday as it moved toward the southern Marianas.  A small circular eye was as the center of Sinlaku’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 Sinlaku.  Storms near the center of Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku continued to increase on Saturday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Typhoon Sinlaku.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) in the other quadrants of Sinlaku’s circulation.

Typhoon Sinlaku will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Sinlaku will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku could intensify rapidly at times. Typhoon Sinlaku is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Typhoon Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Sinlaku will move toward the southern Marianas.  Sinlaku will approach Guam in 48 hours.

Typhoon Sinlaku will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches the southern Marianas.  Sinlaku could bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Sinlaku could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along parts of the coasts of the southern Marianas.

Sinlaku Rapidly Intensifies to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Sinlaku rapidly intensified to a typhoon southeast of Guam on Friday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Sinlaku was located at latitude 8.7°N and longitude 151.5°E which put the center about 575 miles (930 km) southeast of Guam.  Sinlaku was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 972 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Sinlaku rapidly intensified to a typhoon on Friday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  A small eye appeared to be forming at the center of Typhoon Sinlaku.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku increased on Friday as Sinlaku rapidly intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Typhoon Sinlaku.

Typhoon Sinlaku will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Sinlaku will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku could continue to intensify rapidly.  Typhoon Sinlaku is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Typhoon Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Sinlaku will move toward the southern Marianas.  Sinlaku will approach Guam in less than three days.

Typhoon Sinlaku will continue to produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain over Chuuk before it moves farther away on Saturday.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Sinlaku will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Guam.  Sinlaku could bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guam.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Sinlaku Forms Southeast of the Marianas

Tropical Storm Sinlaku formed southeast of the Marianas on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Sinlaku was located at latitude 8.4°N and longitude 151.5°E which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) north-northwest of Chuuk.  Sinlaku 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 994 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of the Marianas strengthened on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Sinlaku.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Sinlaku exhibited more organization on Thursday afternoon.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Sinlaku.  Storms near the center of Sinlaku began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Sinlaku was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Sinlaku’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Sinlaku will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Sinlaku’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Sinlaku will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Sinlaku is likely to strengthen to a typhoon within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Sinlaku 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 Sinlaku toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Sinlaku will move away from Chuuk,  Sinlaku could approach Guam in three or four days.

Tropical Storm Sinlaku will produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain over Chuuk before it moves farther away on Friday.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Nuri Meanders North of Yap

Tropical Storm Nuri meandered north of Yap on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Nuri was located at latitude 11.0°N and longitude 138.8°E which put the center about 105 miles (165 km) north-northeast of Yap.  Nuri was moving toward the east-northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

Tropical Storm Nuri struggled in a hostile environment on Wednesday.  An upper level ridge that was southeast of the Marianas produced strong southwesterly winds that blew across the top of Nuri’s circulation.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  Those winds also blew the tops off of thunderstorms near the center of Nuri’s circulation.  A few thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the eastern periphery of Tropical Storm Nuri.  Bands in the other parts of Nuri’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Nuri will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Nuri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   However, the upper level ridge that is southeast of the Marianas will continue to produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Nuri’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  In addition, Tropical Storm Nuri will be just to the south of a large area of drier air that originated over eastern Asia. The combination of strong vertical wind shear and drier air will cause Tropical Storm Nuri to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Nuri will move around the western part of a high pressure system that is south of the Marianas.  The high pressure system will steer Nuri toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nuri will move toward the Marianas as it weakens.

Tropical Storm Nuri Forms North of Yap

Tropical Storm Nuri formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Yap on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Nuri was located at latitude 11.63°N and longitude 138.4°E which put the center about 160 miles (260 km) north of Yap.  Nuri was moving toward the east at 3 m.p.h. (5 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.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean strengthened on Tuesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Nuri.

Thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Nuri on Tuesday.  Even so, the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Nuri was asymmetrical.  Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern half of Nuri’s circulation.  Bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Nuri consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Nuri started to generate some upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Nuri will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for intensification.  Nuri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge that is south of the Marianas.  The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Nuri’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  In addition, Tropical Storm Nuri formed just to the south of a large area of drier air that originated over eastern Asia.  The combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air is likely to prevent Tropical Storm Nuri from intensifying during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Nuri will move around the western part of a high pressure system that is south of the Marianas.  The high pressure system will steer Nuri toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nuri will move toward the Marianas.

Tropical Storm Nuri cold bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Marianas later this week.

Tropical Storm Podul Forms North of Saipan

Tropical Storm Podul formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Saipan on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 145.9°E which put the center about 290 miles (470 km) north of Saipan.  Podul was moving toward the northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 1003 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Saipan strengthened on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Podul.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands south and east of the center of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the rest of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Podul started to generate upper level divergence that was beginning to pump mass away from the tropical storm.

The strongest winds in Tropical Storm Podul were occurring in the thunderstorms southeast of the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Podul’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Podul were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Podul is likely to strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Podul will move away from the Marianas.  Podul could approach Taiwan in a few days.

Krosa Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Krosa strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of the Marianas on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Krosa was located at latitude 23.3°N and longitude 145.4°E which put the center about 270 miles (435 km) north of Agrihan.  Krosa was moving toward the north-northeast 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 971 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Krosa strengthened to a typhoon north of the Marianas on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of Typhoon Krosa.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Krosa’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Krosa generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Krosa became more symmetrical on Sunday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Krosa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Typhoon Krosa.

Tropical Storm Krosa will move through and environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Krosa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low centered southeast of Japan.  The upper level low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Krosa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Krosa could intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Krosa will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Krosa toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Krosa will pass east of Iwo To.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Co-may strengthened back to a tropical storm near Okinawa.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Co-may was located at latitude 26.8°N and longitude 127.6°E which put the center about 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Okinawa.  Co-may was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 986 mb.

Tropical Storm Krosa Spins Northwest of the Marianas

Tropical Storm Krosa was spinning northwest of the Marianas on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Krosa was located at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 144.8°E which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) northwest of Agrihan.  Krosa was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 987 mb.

Tropical Storm Krosa strengthened on Saturday as it moved northwest of the Marianas.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Krosa’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Krosa.  Storms near the center of Krosa generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Krosa was asymmetrical.  Tropical storm force winds extended out 260 miles (420 km) in the southern side of Krosa’s circulation.  Tropical Storm force winds extended out 110 miles (175 km) in the northern side of Krosa.

Tropical Storm Krosa will move through and environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Krosa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low centered south of Japan.  The upper level low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Krosa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Krosa will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Krosa could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Krosa will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Krosa toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Krosa will pass east of Iwo To.