Newborn Tropical Storm Phanfone triggers warnings in Northwestern Pacific

A tropical storm Warning is in effect for Saipan, Tinian, Pagan and Alamagan. In addition, a typhoon watch is in effect for the northern Marianas Islands, including Pagan and Alamagan.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard Aqua provides visible and infrared images of storms, oceans and land features.

On Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) Phanfone had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph). It was centered near 13.8 north latitude and 149.6 east longitude, about 270 nautical miles east-southeast of Saipan. Phanfone is moving to the west-northwest at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph).

The U.S. National Weather Service in Guam issued a statement on Sept. 29 about Phanfone's approach: “Tropical Storm Phanfone will be strengthening into a typhoon as it crosses the Northern Mariana Islands with the center passing near…most likely north of Saipan on Sept. 30, Tuesday night or early Wednesday, Oct. 1.

It is important to note that only small changes in the forecast track and intensity will lead to significantly varying Impacts. Expect heavy rain…thunderstorms…dangerous surf…and damaging winds.” For forecast updates, visit: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?map.x=249&map.y=58&site=gum

Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center expect Phanfone to intensify as it moves to the west-northwest toward the Marianas Islands. After passing through the islands, Phanfone is expected to reach typhoon strength and move west of the island of Iwo To by Oct. 2 or 3.