Marianas Variety Guam Edition

A TROPICAL storm watch remains in affect for Guam as tropical depression 23W continues to intensify as it approaches the Marianas, according to the  Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense, which is closely monitoring the system in conjunction with the National Weather Service.

According to the advisory as of the 8 p.m. last night, the system was expected to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours.
 
As of 8 p.m., TD 23W was located approximately 295 miles east-southeast of Guam moving West at 17 MPH with maximum sustained winds of 35 MPH.

TD 23W is expected to pass between Guam and Rota this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service’s weather alert for for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

 “Residents can expect localized damage from the winds, mostly trees and power lines,” said Clint Simpson a National Weather Service meteorologist.

NWS urges people to be cautious by securing outside loose objects or bring them inside, and boat owners should secure their craft.

A storm surge of about one foot above high tide is expected, and surf conditions will be hazardous on windward exposures.

While the island remains in Condition of Readiness 4,  GHS and OCD personnel will continue to staff the Emergency Operations Center on a 24-hour basis until further notice, officials said.

 

El Nino

Meanwhile, climate experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the strengthening El Niño could mean a greater chance of late-season tropical cyclone development in the central Pacific, more high surf and less rainfall for the Hawaiian Islands during the upcoming wet season, which normally runs from October through April.

Guam and American Samoa and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands are also subject to weather extremes during El Niño, according to NOAA.

“Following the hurricane season, the presence of El Niño is expected to bring drier than normal conditions for the remainder of the wet season,” said Kevin Kodama, senior service hydrologist at NOAA’s Honolulu Forecast Office.

“Drier than normal conditions will worsen existing severe to extreme drought over portions of the State if early wet season rainfall in October and November does not materialize,” Kodoma added.

Current sea surface temperatures and computer models point to a continued strengthening of El Niño conditions through the upcoming winter season. Buoy and satellite data indicate sea surface temperatures were at least 1.0 degree Celsius above average across much of the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.

The central Pacific has already seen an above average number of tropical cyclones during this year’s hurricane season. An El Niño has the potential to create conditions that are ripe for tropical systems to develop near the end of the hurricane season. Hurricane Iwa devastated parts of Hawaii in late

November 1982, an El Niño year.

“There is always the possibility for a late season tropical cyclone during an El Niño period,” said Jim Weyman, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “We urge everyone in the State of Hawaii to remain prepared throughout the year.”

 

 Residents are advised to call 475-9600 for updated information relative to this storm and should refrain from calling 9-1-1 for any non-emergency calls.   All residents are reminded of the following: •    Motorist should exercise extreme caution while driving, as heavy rain and ponding can create unsafe driving conditions.   •    Avoid beaches and waters as high surf and strong currents can be life threatening. •    Prepare your homes, secure canopies and any outdoor items that may become airborne as the winds increase. •    Stock your emergency supply kits and continue to monitor local media for updated information.

 

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