Headline:
Tropical Storm Watch issued August 21 at 9:04PM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Watch
Urgency:
Future
Effective:
August 21, 2026 - 4:04am
Expires:
August 21, 2026 - 12:15pm
Description:
...TROPICAL STORM SAUDEL IS PASSING WELL NORTHEAST OF TINIAN AND
SAIPAN AS IT CONTINUES MOVING NORTHWEST TOWARDS THE FAR NORTHERN
MARIANAS...
.NEW INFORMATION...
While little change has been observed in the storm motion the last
few cycles, the center has wobbled considerably to the west, which in
addition an expanded wind field, slightly increasing chances for TS
winds to linger over Tinian and Saipan coastal waters. Even so, the
wide TS wind field is expected to contract a little over the next 12
hours, leaving little room for damaging winds to ensue across Tinian
and Saipan. Even so, as a precaution, a Tropical Storm Watch remains
in effect for Tinian and Saipan at this time. For the other islands
affected, a Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Pagan and Agrihan,
meanwhile a Tropical Storm Warning and a Typhoon Watch remain 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 remains 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 remains 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...
Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) is centered near 15N148E, just around 165
miles east of Saipan. Saudel is moving north-northwest at 9 mph, with
maximum sustained winds now at 70 mph near the center. This system
is expected to continue to barrel toward the far northern Marianas,
making a slight turn toward the northwest and move a little faster
come Saturday. By then, Saudel is likely to become a typhoon as it
passes over Pagan and Agrihan.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Tropical Storm Saudel is expected to gradually intensify over the
next few days, perhaps with a period of rapid intensification later
this evening into Saturday. Saudel could become a typhoon Saturday
and pass through the far Northern Mariana Islands 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...
North winds of 20 to 30 mph will turn toward the northwest then
southwest, to then rapidly increase with 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 10 and 14 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, 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.
...ALAMAGAN...
...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS 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...
North 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 10 and 14 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