NWS on high alert for Invest 97W development: Warnings, watches, advisories in effect
The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office Guam has issued a weather alert as the monsoon that’s surging across Yap and the Marianas, Invest 97W, could be upgraded to a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. What does that mean for Guam?
The NWS, as of 6 a.m. on Monday, noted that the forecast models tracked Invest 97W west-northwest of Guam and upgraded to a “High” alert for increased development as a tropical cyclone formation. But according to the weather alert issued at 10 a.m., Guam was not in the crosshairs.
“97W is expected to lift northward today, with a gradual turn toward the northwest and away from the Marianas. 97W will not come nearer to, nor will it directly pass through, the Marianas,” the NWS weather alert said.
While 97W does not pose a threat, the strong monsoon conditions will be felt through the evening across Palau, Yap, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“Winds will strengthen across the Marianas today as the surge shifts across the region. The CNMI is already seeing strong wind gusts this morning, with sustained winds at the Saipan airport of 20 to 30 mph and with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph. The Saipan Airport just recorded a gust of 49 mph in their 9:00 a.m. observation. Across Guam, winds outside of showers have been pleasant, but with moderate to heavy showers, are reaching to between 15 and 20 mph sustained, with gusts up to 30 mph. Stronger winds prevail to the south and east, near a band of heavier showers,” the NWS said.
Winds are expected to shift northwestward over Guam and Rota later today.
“Wind impacts will be similar to those last week: Tents, canopies, tarps, trash bins, lawn furniture and other loose, outdoor items will be vulnerable to the strong winds and gusts. We are anticipating peak conditions this afternoon across the Marianas with the strongest winds and heavy showers then,” the NWS said.
Improved conditions are expected by Tuesday morning across the region according to the NWS, but watches, warnings and advisories are currently in effect.
“A number of watches, warnings and advisories are in effect due to wind, rain and marine-based hazards. High Wind Warning – Guam/CNMI – thru 6 AM Tue // High Surf Advisory – Guam/CNMI – thru 6 PM Tue // Flood Watch – Guam/CNMI – thru 6 AM Tue // Gale Warning – Guam/CNMI – thru 6 AM Tue // Hazardous Seas Warning – Guam/CNMI – thru 6 AM Tue // High Surf Advisory – Yap – thru 6 PM Mon // Small Craft Advisory – Yap – thru 6 PM Tue // Small Craft Advisory – Palau – thru 8 AM Tue,” the NWS release said.