Tropical Storm Banyan rapidly intensified into a typhoon on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Banyan was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 164.3°E which put it about 165 miles (265 km) west-northwest of Wake Island.  Banyan was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

Banyan intensified rapidly from a tropical storm into a typhoon in less than 36 hours.  Banyan is a small well organized typhoon.  There is a small circular eye at the center of circulation.  The eye is surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms.  The strongest winds are occurring in that ring of storms.  A primary band of thunderstorms wraps around the eastern and northern sides of the core of Typhoon Banyan.  Other bands of showers and storms are revolving around the core of the typhoon.  Banyan has a small circulation.  Winds to typhoon force only extend out about 25 miles (40 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extend out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center.

Typhoon Banyan will continue to move through an environment that is favorable for intensification on Sunday.  Banyan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  The upper level winds are weak and there is little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Banyan will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours and it could become the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Banyan is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge, which is steering the typhoon toward the north-northwest.  Banyan is forecast to continue to move toward the north-northwest for another day or two.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Banyan will move away from Wake Island and the weather should improve on Sunday.