Special Weather Statement

Invest 92C, from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, is currently approaching the Date Line near 12N. This system is forecast to continue developing over the next several days, possibly becoming a tropical storm by Tuesday afternoon. The closest point of approach to Utirik looks to be around 200 miles to the northeast and north. However, confidence is growing that swells from the center of this tropical disturbance will be in the 5 to 7 foot range.

Given the shallow, flat coastlines of Utirik Atoll, significant inundation across all of the atoll is a distinct possibility. Additionally, southwesterly to southerly sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, are expected. The combination of the two may allow for significant coastal erosion to take place. Residents are urged to take precautionary actions now, before the swells and heavier showers associated with this passing tropical disturbance develop.