TS Krosa moves away from region

Topical Depression 11W has intensified into a tropical storm overnight and is now known as Tropical Storm Krosa but poses no threat to the Marianas.

The good news, according to the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, is that Krosa’s heaviest showers and thunderstorms are shifting gradually to the northwest, allowing drier weather to build over the Marianas.

Nonetheless, the tropical storm’s slow trek away from the Marianas continues and clouds, showers, gusty winds, hazardous seas, and surf remained over the CNMI and Guam yesterday.

In fact, NWS said the Marianas received in excess of 2 inches of rain yesterday, with the Weather Forecast Office in Tiyan getting nearly 11 inches of rain over the last five days.

At 1 pm yesterday, Krosa was located by satellite near 20.9n 141.4e with sustained winds of 65 mph and moving north-northwest at 13 mph. This is about 365 miles northwest of Alamagan, 340 miles northwest of Pagan, 315 miles west-northwest of Agrihan, and 490 miles northwest of Saipan.

Current forecast calls for scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and periods of light rain over the Marianas and NWS is advising the public to continue to keep their umbrellas ready.

With the rough weather persisting over the region, the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management issued yet another set of flood, high surf, and small craft advisories yesterday.

Heavy showers associated with southwest monsoon winds from Krosa may produce flash floods, according to HSEM.

Residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are being advised that flash flooding can become life-threatening very quickly. Residents are also told to monitor conditions in their area and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.

HSEM also said a high surf advisory remains in effect through Friday night, as surf will remain at hazardous levels of 10 to 13 feet along west-facing reefs through Thursday. The agency said surf will start to diminish Thursday night, but should remain hazardous through at least Friday night.

HSEM also noted that high surf will produce localized beach erosion and dangerous conditions for swimmers and beachgoers.

Avoid venturing out along south- and west-facing reefs and beaches. Large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries, and strong rip currents will be life-threatening.

The small craft advisory remains in effect through Friday night as wind speeds of 22 knots or higher and seas 10 feet or higher are expected to produce conditions hazardous to small craft.