Residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands should get ready for potentially rough weather in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service.
“I definitely would recommend starting to prepare now,” NWS meteorologist Charlie Ogle said. “Whether the system tracks closer to Guam or Saipan or farther north, we'll still see at least, most likely, tropical storm-force impact.”
The developing weather system in eastern Micronesia was upgraded to Tropical Depression 09 on Wednesday, and it is expected to reach tropical storm strength within 24 hours.
It is forecast to become a typhoon within the next few days, but “exactly where possible typhoon impacts are is still pretty unclear,” Ogle said.
The Marianas can expect to see scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms on Saturday, with winds possibly picking up Saturday night or Sunday. Heavier showers and gusty winds are expected Sunday.
Ogle said residents should continue to monitor NWS forecasts at https://www.weather.gov/gum.
