Tropical Depression 26W Update #1

A new Tropical Cyclone has formed in the Caroline Islands, well east of the Philippines. Tropical Depression 26W was last located approximately 180km south southwest of Pohnpei. Maximum sustained winds are at 45kph with gusts of up to 65kph. TD 26W is currently moving west northwestward at 15kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows a consolidating system with weak but improving convective activity. The system lies in a somewhat favorable environment and is expected to continue developing over the next few days. Based on the current movement as well as on the forecasts from the computer models, TD 26W could become a Tropical Storm by as early as tomorrow and could move south of Chuuk by Tuesday. Medium to long range guidance are also suggesting that TD 26W could eventually threaten the Micronesian Islands by the latter part of this week.

We'll have more information and a detailed forecast later this afternoon.
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Issued (2230 UTC) 730am PhT 112612