Previous Story
Tropical storm spares NMI
|
Posted on Dec 13 2004
Weather officials canceled the typhoon watch for the Northern Marianas yesterday, as tropical storm Talas moved away from the islands.
However, the National Weather Service cautioned local residents against venturing near exposed beaches and reef lines because of high surf.
At 7am yesterday, Talas was located near latitude 10.1 degrees north and longitude 148.7 degrees east, or about 400 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian, and 360 miles east-southeast of Rota and Guam.
The tropical storm was then moving west at 20mph and was forecast to slow down slightly with a gradual turn to the west-northwest over the next 24 hours.
By 1pm, the center of the tropical storm was found near latitude 10.3 degrees north and longitude 146.6 degrees east. This is about 335 miles south-southeast of Saipan and Tinian, 280 miles south-southeast of Rota, and 250 miles south-southeast of Guam.
Weather forecasters said Talas was expected to turn gradually to a more northwest track with a decrease in forward speed.
Nevertheless, the NWS said a high surf advisory remained in effect for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
The federal agency said computer model guidance showed that an east swell resulting from enhanced trade winds north of Talas was going to bring a significant increase in surf.
The NWS added that surf was already at hazardous levels as of yesterday morning, with heights ranging between 7 and 9 feet. Surf was expected to rise rapidly to 12 to 14 feet by Monday evening, with occasional breakers to 16 feet.
“There is a high potential of strong rip currents. Everyone should avoid venturing near exposed beaches and reef lines, especially those facing the east,” the NWS said.
