Headline:
Tropical Storm Watch issued August 20 at 9:26PM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Watch
Urgency:
Future
Effective:
August 20, 2026 - 4:26am
Expires:
August 20, 2026 - 12:30pm
Description:
...TROPICAL STORM SAUDEL TREKS NORTHWEST TOWARD THE FAR NORTHERN
MARIANAS...
.NEW INFORMATION...
None.
.AREAS AFFECTED...
This local statement provides important information and recommended
actions for people in the Northern Marianas.
.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A Tropical Storm Watch continues for Tinian and Saipan. A Tropical
Storm Watch means that tropical storm force winds of at least 39 mph
are possible within 48 hours.
.STORM INFORMATION...
At 8 PM ChST...the center of Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) was located
near latitude 12.3N...longitude 150.6E. This was about 400 miles
east of Guam. Storm motion was northwest, 320 degrees, at 7 mph.
Storm intensity was 40 mph.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Though the forward speed has decreased, a quicker motion is expected
to resume Friday. The latest forecast track has shifted a little
farther west and now brings damaging winds closer to Saipan and
Tinian. Saudel, having struggled to get better organized earlier today,
is now showing signs of improving organization, which should result
in a steady intensification heading into Friday midday, perhaps with
a period of rapid intensification later Friday into Saturday. Saudel
could become a typhoon Friday night and pass through the far Northern
Mariana Islands as an intensifying category 3 typhoon. However, it
is too early to provide exact wind and surge forecast values for
specific locations.
Instruction:
Preparations should be made as soon as possible, before conditions
deteriorate. Keep informed while listening for possible warnings.
Secure loose outdoor objects which can be blown around. Strongly
consider evacuating if you live in a metal roof or container home,
and do so if ordered by local officials.
Take small loose objects indoors. Identify suitable shelter. Stock
up a few days worth of food and water. If no concrete shelter is
available look for a cave or something similar. Take action to
protect food crops or other possessions as appropriate.
.WIND INFORMATION...
Northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph will turn toward the northwest then
southwest, to then increase incredibly quickly beginning early
Saturday morning. Winds could possibly reach typhoon force upwards of
100 mph Saturday afternoon with higher gusts.
.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION...
Surf will build to between 9 and 12 feet along east facing reefs by
Saturday morning. Depending on how close the center of Saudel comes,
it could build higher along east reefs at that time, and could build
along other reefs also. Some inundation with significant coastal
erosion is expected during closest passage of Saudel.
.OTHER STORM EFFECTS...
As Saudel continues to intensify and eventually become a typhoon
prior to moving across the far northern Marianas, widespread locally
heavy showers could dump 8 to 12 inches of rain across much of the
area by Sunday. During peak intensity, upwards of 20 inches of rain
is expected just near the center of Saudel.
Area Description:
Tinian; Saipan
Forcast Office:
NWS Tiyan GU
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov