Special Weather Statement: Majuro Coastal Waters

extract

Special Weather Statement — Majuro Coastal Waters Severity: Moderate. Certainty: Observed. Invest 97W continues to develop over the northern Marshall Islands, centered near 11N166E in the vicinity of Bikini and Rongelap Atolls. 97W is now the subject of a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), meaning it is expected to develop into a significant tropical cyclone (a tropical depression) within 24 hours. Himawari visible satellite imagery this afternoon shows numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms across the northern Marshall Islands, focused mainly over the northwesternmost islands and atolls. Scatterometry data from this morning shows fresh to strong west winds near Ujae and Ebadon Atolls, and surface observations on Kwajalein Island are showing fresh west winds with frequent strong gusts. Near-gale force gusts have been observed with passing showers, and significant boat damage was recently reported along west-facing exposures of Kwajalein as well. Surging west winds are expected to continue across the western and central Marshall Islands, south of Invest 97W's center, and boats should be safely moved from west-facing exposures and secured, if possible. Fresh to strong west winds will begin to shift southwesterly tonight as 97W strengthens, and persist through Sunday as 97W begins to lift north out of the RMI. Locally heavy showers will be possible across the northern half of the Marshall Islands through the weekend. Showers and winds will begin to diminish Sunday night as 97W pulls farther away, but elevated west to southwest swell associated with the disturbance may persist into early next week. Elevated surf along west and south reefs may become hazardous this weekend into early next week as these swells persist. This situation will be closely monitored for additional impacts to the Marshall Islands. For more information on Invest 97W, see bulletins issued by JTWC under WMO header ABPW10 PGTW.