National Weather Service Guam is keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Saudel as it moves northwest toward far northern Marianas according to a report at around 1 a.m., Friday.
At 1 a.m., the storm was located 345 miles east of Guam, moving northwest at 13 miles per hour. According to NWS Guam Saudel intensified overnight to 45 mph maximum sustain winds.
The weather event has resulted in a Typhoon Watch for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan which are in the far northern Marianas.
"This means that typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours," NWS said.
For Tinian and Saipan, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect.
"Meaning tropical storm force winds of 39 mph to 73 mph are possible within 48 hours. This potential is dependent on whether the track of Tropical Storm Saudel shifts any farther west," NWS said.
NWS Guam encouraged residents in the Marianas to monitor forecasts for the latest on Saudel's development and tracking "as the system continues to move closer to the Marianas."
"For those not currently under watches or warning in the areas mentioned above, no is the time to start preparing," NWS Guam said.