INVEST 97W, a developing tropical disturbance, was upgraded to “high” development or a tropical cyclone formation alert by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center on Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service on Guam.
“Invest 97W does not pose a direct threat to the Marianas or western Micronesia. However, the strong monsoon being influenced by 97W will surge from across Palau and Yap State, to Guam and the CNMI through tonight,” NWS stated.
“Winds will strengthen through the day as the surge increases 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 a.m. observation. Across Guam, winds outside of showers have been pleasant, but with moderate to heavy showers are reaching 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. This will all shift northwestward over Guam and Rota later today,” NWS added.
97W could be upgraded to a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
“At 6 a.m. ChST, 97W was centered near 13.7N 144.2E, just west-northwest of Guam. 97W is expected to lift northward today with a gradual turn toward the northwest and away from the Marianas,” NWS stated.
The following watches, warnings and advisories are in effect due to wind, rain and marine-based hazards:
High Wind Warning – Guam/CNMI – through 6 a.m. Tuesday
High Surf Advisory – Guam/CNMI – through 6 p.m. Tuesday
Flood Watch – Guam/CNMI – through 6 a.m. Tuesday
Gale Warning – Guam/CNMI – through 6 a.m. Tuesday
Hazardous Seas Warning – Guam/CNMI – through 6 a.m. Tuesday
High Surf Advisory – Yap – through 6 p.m. Monday
Small Craft Advisory – Yap – through 6 p.m. Tuesday
Small Craft Advisory – Palau – through 8 a.m. Tuesday
According to NWS, 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 [Monday] afternoon across the Marianas with the strongest winds and heavy showers then,” NWS stated.
“Conditions will improve by Tuesday morning with better conditions across the region for the last half of the week,” NWS added.
Tourists walk in downtown Garapan amid inclement weather on Monday.
Road construction at a Garapan intersection stopped on Monday due to rainy weather.
Managaha as seen on Micro Beach, Monday afternoon.
