Tropical Storm Bavi is anticipated to become a typhoon later today

The regional weather outlook for the Marianas continues to be grim, particularly for Saipan and Tinian, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Landon Aydlett.

“This early morning track continues to indicate the possibility of Tropical Storm Bavi to be a super typhoon at the time of passage through the islands on Monday, somewhere very close to Tinian and Saipan. This could still change,” he said.

However, Aydlett outlined a number of changes that could still occur in the next two to three days:

>>The overall track could still shift southward, posing a direct hit to Guam (Sinlaku shifted from Guam to Saipan within a 24 hour period)

>>Timing could still shift; Bavi could speed up...or slow down in the coming days, delaying or expediting its arrival and passage near/through the islands

>>Intensity could change...becoming stronger or weaker at time of passage

>>Landfall/Direct Hit to any particular island; Bavi isn't GUARANTEED to hit any single island; but it is a distinct possibility still, particularly at 2-3 days out.

He added, "Tropical Storm Bavi is anticipated to become a typhoon later today. Rapid intensification, AND a shift toward the west is also anticipated. Timing, extent and duration of these elements are HUGE factors in the coming forecasts and tracks.”