Tropical Storm 20W Update #1

Tropical Storm 20W formed last night 600km west of Guam. Right now, the storm is located just outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility with maximum sustained winds of 65kph gusting to 85kph. 20W is moving west northwestward at 15kph.

IR Image shows numerous convection firing off near and over the center. Banding is also present as seen on a microwave image. Conditions are highly favorable for continued development and it could become a Typhoon by this weekend.

IR Image from NRLMRY

TS 20W is expected to enter PAR later today (will be named "Pedring" by PAGASA). It will continue moving generally westward across the Philippine Sea. Right now, consensus among computer models take 20W towards Northern Luzon by the middle of next week as a strong Typhoon.

We'll have more info on track and strength later in our afternoon update.
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Issued (21 UTC) 5am PhT 092411