Tropical Storm Watch

...TROPICAL STORM SAUDEL IS PASSING WELL EAST OF GUAM AND CONTINUES MOVING NORTHWEST TOWARDS THE FAR NORTHERN MARIANAS...

.NEW INFORMATION... None.

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

.WATCHES/WARNINGS... A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Tinian, Saipan, and adjacent coastal waters. The tropical storm watch means that tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within 48 hours.

A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A Typhoon Watch means that typhoon force winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours.

.STORM INFORMATION... At 1 AM ChST...the center of Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) was located near latitude 13.2N...longitude 149.9E. This was about 345 miles east of Guam. Saudel is moving northwest at 13 mph. It is expected to make a slight turn toward the north-northwest with little change in forward speed through Saturday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 45 mph. Saudel is forecast to intensify through Saturday.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Tropical Storm Saudel is expected to gradually intensify over the next few days, perhaps with a period of rapid intensification later today into Saturday. Saudel could become a typhoon tonight and pass through the far Northern Mariana Islands on Saturday as an intensifying category 3 typhoon.