Published: July 29,2014
In July alone there have been three typhoons in the western Pacific. Now another tropical cyclone is taking aim on an area not hard hit by the previous three: Guam.
(TYPHOON RECAPS: Matmo | Rammasun | Neoguri)
Tropical Storm Halong continues to gather strength about 120 miles east of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Recent satellite images and National Weather Service Doppler radar from Andersen Air Force Base indicates thunderstorms are increasingly tightly wound around the center, forming an eye-like feature in radar.
An impressive band of rain has already wrapped into Guam, Rota and the northern Mariana Islands. Through early Wednesday morning local time, Guam had picked up 3.89 inches of rain over a 24-hour period. Both reporting stations had peak wind gusts of 41 mph. (Guam is 14 hours ahead of U.S. EDT.)
A tropical storm warning and typhoon watch have been posted for Guam. Typhoon warnings are in effect for the island of Rota, about 46 miles northeast of Guam. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the islands of Tinian and Saipan, both 70-85 miles north-northeast of Rota.
Guam remains in tropical cyclone condition of readiness 2, meaning winds of 58 mph or greater are expected within 24 hours. This will likely be upgraded soon.
The center of Halong is expected to make its closest approach to these islands Wednesday. While the strongest winds will most likely to affect the island of Rota, typhoon-force wind gusts are expected particularly on the north end of Guam through Wednesday night. These strong winds could last six hours or more.
These winds will down trees, knock out power, and lead to structural damage of old and/or poorly constructed homes.
Up to 8 inches of additional rainfall is expected in the islands from Halong. Storm surge inundation of 2-4 feet is possible along eastern shores of Guam, and 4-7 feet along the eastern shore of Rota. Waves from 17-25 feet are expected as Halong passes by.
Non-essential government agencies were closed, according to the Stars and Stripes blog. Residents were advised to put up shutters and have emergency kits nearby. Guam's Joint Information and Emergency Operations centers were activated, and emergency shelters were scheduled to open at 5 a.m. local time.
(MORE: Expert Analysis)
Halong is expected to intensify further after moving away from Guam later this week. For now, it is too soon to tell whether Halong will threaten any other land interests in the western Pacific Basin next week.
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