The National Weather Service has its eye on what is now Tropical Depression 29W, formerly known as Invest Area 94W.
The closest point of approach to Guam is expected around 4 a.m. Wednesday morning at approximately 200 miles to the south of the island.
A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected this evening through Wednesday afternoon.
As of 7 a.m., 29W was located 9.4 degrees north latitude and 150.2 degrees east longitude, about 175 miles northwest of Chuuk and 465 miles southeast of Guam. It is currently moving west north-west at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.
On its current track, the tropical depression is expected to intensify slowly through tonight, possibly becoming a tropical storm early Wednesday.
Winds & Seas
The weather service says winds are currently blowing from 20 to 25 knots and that will increase to 20 to 30 knots with frequent gusts to 40 knots this afternoon.
By tonight the winds will shift to the east and increase to 30 to 35 knots with gusts to 45 knots.
Seas of between 12 and 16 feet now are expected to rise up to 15 and 20 feet by tonight and remain that high into Wednesday.
Tropical-storm-force winds of 35 knots or more and seas building to as high as 20 feet will produce dangerous conditions for vessels of all sizes.
Mariners are advised to remain in port until seas and winds subside.
Still COR 4
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 4 at this time but this may change.
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense advise the community to take basic precautionary actions now:
- Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, such as canopies, tarps or trampolines;
- Stay up to date with the latest information and advisory updates;
- If planning outdoor activities, have alternate plans in place;
- Avoid the ocean throughout the week. Rip currents are life-threatening;
- Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs.
