(CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management) — Based on information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W, was centered near 6.8n 154.8e as of Thursday afternoon.
Latest model guidance shows this circulation developing slowly over the next few days as it approaches the Marianas. Models are in fairly good agreement that the system will move through to the south of Guam, though this is subject to change as the circulation develops.
There is a possibility this disturbance could become a tropical depression by the time it passes near Guam late Saturday.
This system is expected to bring increased showers and thunderstorms to the Marianas, especially Guam and Rota, over the weekend, with wet conditions likely Saturday into Sunday morning.
As Invest 98W strengthens and approaches the Marianas, increasing winds, hazardous seas, numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.
Locally heavy showers leading to urban/small stream flooding and possible flash flooding are possible Saturday into Sunday.
Marine conditions are also expected to become hazardous, with wind gusts as high as 35 knots and seas of 9 to 11 feet possible.
Although it is possible that Invest 98W will pass through as a tropical depression, residents of the Marianas, especially Guam, should prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions.
Residents should monitor these changing conditions over the next few days and watch for any updates to the forecast.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios is advising residents of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to stay informed on the latest forecasts and statements, which will be available through local media sources and NOAA weather radio broadcast on 162.5 megahertz, or call CNMI EOC State Warning Point at (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000. For the Northern Islands, contact CNMI EOC State Warning Point at high frequency single side band radio on frequency 5.205.0.
