Headline:
Tropical Storm Watch issued August 21 at 3:31AM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Watch
Urgency:
Future
Effective:
August 20, 2026 - 10:31am
Expires:
August 20, 2026 - 6:45pm
Description:
...TROPICAL STORM SAUDEL IS PASSING WELL EAST OF GUAM AND
CONTINUES MOVING NORTHWEST TOWARDS 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 remains in effect for Tinian, Saipan, and
adjacent coastal waters. The tropical storm watch means that
tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within 48
hours.
A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Alamagan, Pagan, and
Agrihan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A
Typhoon Watch means that typhoon force winds of 74 mph or more are
possible within 48 hours.
.STORM INFORMATION...
At 1 AM ChST...the center of Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) was
located near latitude 13.2N...longitude 149.9E. This was about
345 miles east of Guam. Saudel is moving northwest at 13 mph. It
is expected to make a slight turn toward the north-northwest with
little change in forward speed through Saturday. Maximum
sustained winds have increased to 45 mph. Saudel is forecast to
intensify through Saturday.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Tropical Storm Saudel is expected to gradually intensify over the
next few days, perhaps with a period of rapid intensification
later today into Saturday. Saudel could become a typhoon tonight
and pass through the far Northern Mariana Islands on Saturday as
an intensifying category 3 typhoon.
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 rapidly increase with the possibility of
damaging winds 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
early Saturday morning. Depending on how close the center of
Saudel comes, it could build higher along east reefs at that time,
and could elevate surf along other reefs as well. 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