Headline:
Tropical Storm Watch issued August 21 at 10:01AM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Watch
Urgency:
Future
Effective:
August 20, 2026 - 5:01pm
Expires:
August 21, 2026 - 1:15am
Description:
...TROPICAL STORM SAUDEL IS PASSING WELL EAST OF GUAM AND ROTA
...SAUDEL CONTINUES MOVING NORTHWEST TOWARDS THE FAR NORTHERN
MARIANAS...
.NEW INFORMATION...
A Typhoon Warning is now in affect for Pagan and Agrihan. A
Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Alamagan.
.AREAS AFFECTED...
This local statement provides important information and
recommended actions for people in the CNMI, especially for the
far Northern Marianas.
.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Pagan and Agrihan in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Typhoon force winds
of 74 mph or more are expected, with the onset of damaging winds
of 39 mph or greater expected after midnight.
A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Alamagan in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A Tropical Storm
Warning means that tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph are
expected after midnight.
A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Alamagan in the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands. A Typhoon Watch means that typhoon
force winds of 74 mph or more are possible, depending on a westward
shift in the track of Tropical Storm Saudel.
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Tinian, Saipan, and
adjacent coastal waters. A Tropical Storm Watch means that
tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph are only possible if there
is a significant westward shift in the track of Tropical Storm
Saudel today or tonight.
A Small Craft Advisory will be in effect for Tinian and Saipan
beginning this afternoon. Please check the latest public and
marine forecasts for detailed information about additional
hazards.
.STORM INFORMATION...
At 700 AM CHST...2100 UTC...the center of Tropical Storm Saudel
was located near Latitude 14.1 degrees North and Longitude
149.3 degrees East, about 305 miles east of Guam and 250 miles
east-southeast of Saipan. Saudel is moving northwest at 13 mph.
It is expected to maintain this general course and speed through
through Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds remain at 45 mph. Saudel is forecast to
intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon. Saudel
could become a typhoon late this evening and pass through the
far Northern Mariana Islands on Saturday as an intensifying
category 3 typhoon.
.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:
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 15 to 30 mph will turn toward the northwest then
southwest, to then rapidly increase with the possibility of
damaging winds beginning early Saturday morning. Winds are
expected to reach typhoon force upwards of 120 mph Saturday
afternoon with higher gusts near 150 mph possible.
.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 into the 15 to 20 foot range along the
east reefs at that time, and this would elevate surf along
other reefs as well. Inundation heights of 1 to 3 feet could create
some significant coastal erosion as Saudel, with the highest potential
occurring during Saudel's closest approach Saturday.
.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. Additionally, coastal
erosion will be a concern as pounding surf of 10 to 15 feet is
possible for the eastern reefs.
...ALAMAGAN...
...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT...
...THE TYPHOON WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT...
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 15 to 25 mph will turn toward the northwest then
through tonight, gradually becoming southwest by Saturday morning.
At this time, tropical storm winds are expected by tonight, with as
rapid increase in winds expected through the day Saturday. Maximum
sustained winds around 120 mph, with gusts up to 150 mph are
possible. At this time, the worst conditions look to occur between
4 AM Saturday and midnight.
.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. Surf of 10 to 15 feet is may develop, leading to
at least some coastal erosion.
.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. Additionally,
significant coastal erosion of the east facting reefs is possible,
as surf of 9 to 13 feet may develop.
Area Description:
Tinian; Saipan
Forcast Office:
NWS Tiyan GU
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov