Tropical Storm “Noul” nears Yap, Western Pacific Ocean

Tropical Storm "Noul" formed in the Western Pacific Ocean on May 4, 2015 and is heading toward Yap Island, Micronesia. The system is expected to significantly intensify over the coming days.

According to JTWC's warning issued 03:00 UTC today, Tropical Storm "Noul" was located approximately 242 km (150 miles) east of Yap, and has tracked WNW at 7.4 km/h (4.6 mph) over the past six hours. Maximum significant wave height at 00:00 UTC today was 3 meters (10 feet).

At the same time, its maximum sustained winds were about 64 km/h (40 mph), with wind gusts up to 83 km/h (51 mph).

Tropical Storm "Noul" forecast track by JTWC on May 4, 2015.

According to NWS Guam, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Yap Island, Fais and Ulithi in Yap State. Tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 62 km/h (39 mph) or more, are occurring at Fais and Ulithi. 

Tropical Storm "Noul" forecast track by NWS Guam on May 4, 2015.

Video credit WestPacWx.

​Tropical Storm "Noul" on May 4, 2015. Image credit: UW-CIMSS

Satellite animations

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Infrared (Aviation Color Enhancement) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (Colorized) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT2; CIMSS)

• Tropical West Pacific Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Water Vapor (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Visible (MTSAT2; NOAA)

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Noul" on May 4, 2015. Image credit: UW-CIMSS