Tropical Storm Watch

...SAUDEL UPGRADED TO TYPHOON AS IT APPROACHES THE FAR NORTHERN MARIANAS...

.NEW INFORMATION... Saudel has been upgraded from Tropical Storm to Typhoon.

.AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides important information and recommended actions for people in the 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 by noon.

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 around sunrise.

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 possible westward shift in the track of Typhoon 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 Typhoon Saudel early this morning.

Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards.

.STORM INFORMATION... At 3 AM ChST...the center of Typhoon Saudel (17W) was located near latitude 16.4N...longitude 147.8E. This was about 285 miles northeast of Guam. Storm motion was north-northwest, 330 degrees, at 15 mph. Storm intensity was 80 mph.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Typhoon Saudel has not taken the westward wobble which could have brought damaging winds to Tinian and Saipan. It is likely the watch can be canceled later today.