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Tropical Storm Chan-Hom continues to intensify this evening and is likely to be upgraded to a Typhoon before tomorrow morning. The storm center was last located approximately 480km southeast of Guam. Maximum sustained winds are now at 110kph with gusts of up to 140kph. TS Chan-Hom is currently moving westward at 20kph.
A TYPHOON WATCH has been issued by the National Weather Service for Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. Residents are advised to start preparing emergency plans for the incoming storm. As always, please follow the warnings and bulletins of your local officials. Stay safe!
IR Image from NRLMRY
Latest satellite image show strong convective activity that is becoming more organized especially near the center. A recent microwave imagery (not shown) suggests that an eyewall is starting to form and that we could see further intensification tonight. In fact, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has already upgraded Chan-Hom into a Typhoon. We're still waiting for the Japan Meteorological Agency to do the same.
Tropical Storm Chan-Hom is starting to slow down and is forecast to start turning to the northwest as it rounds the periphery of the sub-tropical ridge. It will start affecting Guam and the rest of the Mariana Islands with periods of light to moderate rains. Seas will also start to be unsettled as the huge circulation of Chan-Hom approaches the islands. The worst weather conditions for Guam and the rest of the Marianas are forecast to occur Saturday and into Sunday. We're expecting typhoon-force winds of up to 160kph along with heavy rains and high waves.
If you live in one of these islands, you should start your preparations as early as possible. Continue to keep updated on the developments of this storm by checking our website as well as your official NWS website.
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