Special Weather Statement

Latest satellite derived ocean surface wind data shows a weakening, though still a fresh burst of west to southwest winds. These stronger winds will continue around Yap and Palau into Wednesday. Gusts up to near gale force, or around 30 kt, can be expected at both Yap and Palau through at least the overnight hours. Seas will continue build in response to the fresh southwest winds with hazardous conditions expected to continue at Yap, making inter-island travel unsafe, especially to small craft.

Regional weather continues to be dominated by the circulation, known as 97W, which sits northwest of Yap near 14N134E. This circulation is still showing a broad wind field and was a subject of a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, but has shown signs of weakening overnight and this morning. Formation of a tropical depression is still possible but not expected to occur during the the next 24 hours. As 97W lifts northward, winds, and seas will continue to gradually subside, first across Palau, then across western Yap State.

Residents and mariners should keep up to date with the latest forecasts for Yap and Palau by visiting weather.gov/gum or seeking updated information from local weather service offices and emergency managers. This will be the last issuance as west to southwest winds continue to weaken over the area.