A tropical disturbance, known as Invest 97W by the Joint Typhoon
Warning Center, is centered west of the Marianas near 14N142E.
Model guidance favors gradual development of this system the next
few days, though there is still uncertainty on its eventual motion
and further pattern evolution. The general concern is for an extensive
rainfall event through the weekend. As such, a flood watch is in
effect for the Marianas through Sunday night.
A secondary concern, and with more uncertainty, is the potential for
a significant wind event with a tropical depression or tropical
storm affecting the Marianas. Currently, the chance for tropical
storm force winds of 39 mph or greater is very small. It is more
likely the developing circulation will bring increasing winds and
strong to near-gale force gusts to portions of the Marianas by the
weekend.
Once 97W has moved away from the lower Marianas, a prolonged wet
pattern could still remain into next week under the influence of a
southwesterly monsoon flow.
Residents across the Marianas should continue monitoring local
weather forecasts from the National Weather Service in Guam, and for
additional information from local emergency management. Visit
weather.gov/gum/PublicForecasts for the latest weather information
from the NWS.