Special Weather Statement for Chuuk Coastal Waters

Official alert brief

Tropical Depression 09W is currently located to the north of Kosrae near 9.2N 163E, and is moving northwest at 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds are 35 mph. 09W is expected to slightly turn toward the west- northwest and speed up, generally tracking west-northwest through the coming days. Chuuk is currently located within the near-equatorial trough on the far outer western periphery of TD 09W, and will remain within its influence in the coming days as the storm strengthens and moves toward the Marianas, which will eventually position it to the north of Weno sometime this weekend. Chuuk is expected to remain well outside of the direct wind field of TD 09W, but surging west to southwest winds around 20 to 25 knots are expected to develop across the region south of the storm. Models suggest west winds around 15 to 20 knots will begin to pick up for Chuuk on Friday, peaking sometime Saturday or Sunday with potential to generate choppy, hazardous seas which could make inter-island travel hazardous. Additionally, chances for locally heavy showers will increase this weekend as this strong west to southwest flow, directed by TD 09W, funnels deep moisture into an already convergent wind field. Near-gale to gale-force gusts will be possible near heavier showers. As TD 09W develops and begins to pass to the north of Weno this weekend, west to southwest swell looks to develop, which will lead to elevated, and potentially hazardous surf into early next week. For more information please refer to bulletins from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center under WMO header WTPN31 PGTW and from the National Weather Service under WMO header WTPQ31 PGUM.