Typhoon Mawar (Ambo) Update #7

Typhoon Mawar (Ambo) continues to move in the direction of Okinawa. It was last located approximately 600km south southwest of Naha. Maximum sustained winds remain at 175kph gusting to 210kph. Mawar is moving north northeastward at 15kph.

IR Image from CIMSS

Mawar failed to intensify overnight due to the continuous entrainment of dry air. Nevertheless, there is some improvement in the structure with the eye becoming more visible now on the satellite. Microwave data is still showing an open eyewall but strong banding remains.

Radar image from JMA

Latest radar image out of Okinawa shows the outer bands from Mawar slowly approaching from the south. We expect those rains to start affecting the island later this afternoon. For the radar link, please click HERE

Typhoon Mawar will continue moving north northeastward today. It should maintain its current intensity as the overall conditions are still favorable for the storm. Weather conditions in Okinawa and nearby islands should start to deteriorate later this afternoon into tonight. Stormy conditions will last into tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday). Forecast tracks are now showing Mawar to move within 200km east southeast of Okinawa bringing tropical-storm force winds in the area. Minami Islands are forecast to get stronger winds (typhoon-force) and heavier rains.

We'll have another update later this afternoon.
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Issued (2230 UTC) 630am PhT 060412