Tropical depression 26W forms in the Pacific

Tropical Depression 26W has formed southeast of Guam near the islands of Micronesia. 26w is barely moving at 2 MOH to the WNW. sustained winds are currently holding at 35 MPH (55 km/hr) with peak winds of 47 MPH (75 km/hr).

Typhoon 2000 has been reporting that the potential for a new storm to form east of the Philippines. Water temperatures in the western Pacific are very high. A pressure ridge that has moved south has reduced any vertical wind shear in the region. This provides warm sea surface temperatures and low winds shear - conditions that are ripe for storm formation.

Current track projections from both Weather Underground and Tropical Storm Risk indicate that 26W will pass betweem Guam and Yap as a tropical storm with winds as high as 65 MPH (102 km/hr) before strengthening to a Cat 1 typhoon. After passing the Marianas, 26W will shift more towards the north towards Japan and strengthening as the week progresses.

Tropical depression threatens Saipan (Saipan Tribune)

A tropical disturbance near Chuuk formed into a tropical depression yesterday. The National Weather Service in Guam said tropical depression 26W has winds between 20mph and 30mph and is moving Northwest at 3 mph.

A statement from the agency said it is expected to pass toward the Marianas in the following days. Watches or warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service as early as Monday, the special weather statement said.

The storm is most likely to pass Saipan on Nov. 26.Related to the weather disturbance, the CNMI Emergency Management Office has issued a small craft advisory for the islands.