NWS: Choi-Wan to bring hazardous Conditions through weekend

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan, previously Tropical Depression 26W, is anticipated to be a multiday event. Although it will not make landfall on Guam, the cyclone is expected to bring hazardous winds, surf and sea conditions.

The National Weather Service Guam's Public Tropical Cyclone Advisory 5A said that as of 5:19 p.m., Choi-Wan was 270 miles north-northeast of Guam, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The storm was moving west-northwest at 13 mph.

"It is expected to make a slight turn toward the west with a decrease in forward speed through Friday. Choi-Wan is also expected to continue intensifying, likely becoming a typhoon by Friday afternoon, when it'll make a turn more to the north," the advisory said.

Earlier in the day, Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett said Choi-Wan is expected to deteriorate weather conditions through Sunday.

Paul Stanko, NWS senior meteorologist, stressed that high waves from the storm will make its way down to Guam.

For Guam, several advisories have been issued, including a High Surf Advisory, Small Craft Advisory, Wind Advisory, Rip Current Advisory and Gale Watch.

"Tropical Storm is 34 knots or higher and Gale is 34 knots or higher, so, as far as what you feel, the difference is going to be little to none," Stanko said.

For Guam and Rota, the Gale Watch means residents will experience "frequent gusts."

According to Aydlett, the Gale Watch is due to the monsoon.

"We're not going to get a direct hit from Choi-Wan for Guam and Rota, but we are going to get some monsoon inflow," Stanko added.

Tropical storm conditions are expected for all of the CNMI north of Rota, which Adylett said places the island "in the clear as far as tropical storm conditions."

"But don't get me wrong, we're going to be seeing strong gusty winds and potential for heavy showers across Rota and Guam because of the monsoon," Aydlett said.

Stanko said this means Guam and Rota residents should prepare for sustained winds of 30 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph.

"That's when you take down the tents and canopies, ... take inside the small object that could blow away, trash cans even," Stanko said. "May want to consider alternate dates if you have any outdoor plans for Friday or Saturday. ... Since there will be some substantial rainfall for Guam and Rota ... if you have clogged drain, you may want to unclog it."

Winds are expected to pick up Friday through Saturday and slowly begin to diminish afterward.

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