Tropical Storm Bopha Update #9

Tropical Storm Bopha continues to intensify as it moves across the Pacific Ocean. The storm was last located approximately 1,350km east southeast of Palau. Maximum sustained winds are now up to 100kph with gusts of up to 130kph. TS Bopha is moving westward at 15kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows what seems to be an eye feature beginning to appear on the infra-red. Convective activity remains strong, despite being somewhat fragmented. Radial outflow is also present due to the weak wind shear in the area. Bopha is expected to become a Typhoon perhaps later this evening or early tomorrow (Saturday).

Tropical Storm Bopha is forecast to continue moving westward and then take a slight turn to the west northwest by tomorrow. This puts the system on a course towards the island of Palau. If forward speed doesn't change significantly, we are looking at tropical storm conditions to begin in that area by Sunday morning and could last into Monday. Due to the impending storm, the National Weather Service are thinking of issuing watches later this afternoon. You can head to the NWS (Guam) website for more information by clicking HERE

We'll have another update later this afternoon.
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Issued (02 UTC) 10am PhT 113012