Tropical Storm Yutu may become next West Pacific typhoon near Guam
The lull in the western Pacific Ocean has come to an end this weekend as Tropical Storm Yutu has formed southeast of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
"Yutu started to organize early this weekend, and conditions will be conducive for it to perhaps develop into a typhoon as it tracks west-northwestward toward the Mariana Islands early this week," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.
Seas will increase around the storm as it strengthens, creating hazards for ships planning to pass through the region.
Whether impacts from the storm extend beyond the shipping industry will hinge on where exactly it forms and the track it takes.
"The storm could affect the Northern Mariana Islands during the middle to latter part of next week with potential impacts of strong winds and heavy rain," Houk said.
If the storm tracks far enough to the north and east, it could bypass these populated islands and Guam. A track more to the south would expand the dangers across the islands.
Regardless of the exact track, dangerously rough seas will be stirred around these islands. Conditions may become too hazardous for swimmers and surfers.
Until the exact track of the strengthening storm becomes clearer, residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are being urged to review typhoon preparation plans. Be ready for these plans to have to be put into place, and the potential for disruptions to daily routines.
After affecting these islands, the storm may be whisked out into the open waters of the northern Pacific Ocean by next weekend if it takes the more northern track.
If the storm tracks more to the south initially, it may continue westward through the Philippine Sea during the final days of October.
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