Tropical Storm 27W Update #4

Tropical Storm 27W remains a weak TS as it nears Palau. It was located approximately 150km east of the island, moving westward at 30kph. Maximum sustained winds are still at 65kph with gusts reaching up to 85kph. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Palau while the Tropical Storm Watch for Yap has now been cancelled.

VIS Image from NRLMRY

Latest reports out of Koror indicate increasing winds with gusts reaching up to 45kph. Moderate rain showers are also being reported from the area. Expect stormy conditions to persist for another 6 hours. Since 27W is moving at a fairly quick pace of about 18kts, weather should improve in the Palau/Yap area by later tonight.

We are expecting Tropical Storm 27W to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility later today; PAGASA will assign the name "Sendong" for 27W once it enters the PAR. Forecast track still takes 27W towards Northern Mindanao/Eastern Visayas by Friday. 27W could still intensify although as mentioned last night, we don't expect this system to become a typhoon.

More updates later this afternoon.
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Issued (2330 UTC) 730am PhT 121511