Showers, thunderstorms, locally heavy rain and gusty winds are expected in the Marianas over the next few days as Invest 98W approaches the area.
National Weather Service forecasters say while the system “does not appear to be a typhoon scenario for Guam, Rota, Tinian or Saipan, it remains a possibility that some islands could eventually deal with a passing tropical depression, or a tropical storm.”
Forecasters warn that a lot of uncertainty remains with this disturbance.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center upgraded the potential for development of Invest 98W from low to medium on Tuesday evening.
The system, located at 11 degrees north latitude and 149 degrees east longitude, could bring between 6 and 10 inches of rain to the islands through late Friday afternoon.
A flash flood warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Residents are advised to clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding.
“At the least, this will be a tent, canopy, tarp, trash bin weather event: Secure those loose and vulnerable items, and other items vulnerable to gusty winds,” the National Weather Service stated.
