A Special Weather Statement was issued today, May 22nd, at 7:35 pm. The following message is from the Yap State Disaster Coordinating Office.

A developing tropical disturbance, called Invest 99W, is currently centered near 7°N, 147°E, west of Weno, Chuuk.

This system may bring heavy showers, gusty winds, and choppy seas over the next few days as it moves west-northwest through the outer islands of Yap State. It may pass near or over Fais and Ulithi before turning north into the Philippine Sea.

Rainfall could reach 3 to 5 inches over the next 72 hours, but there is still uncertainty in the track and rainfall amounts. Yap Proper and Palau may also experience some effects depending on when the system turns north.

Seas are expected to become choppy, but winds and seas are currently forecast to remain below warning levels.

Residents, especially those in the outer islands, should stay alert and continue to follow updates from local emergency management, WSO Yap, WSO Palau, and the National Weather Service Guam.