Tropical Storm in Guam, December 10 to 11, 2004

TROPICAL STORM TALASTropical Depression (TD) 31W began about 55 miles north of Majuro in the Republic of the Marshall Islands at 1000 SST on the morning of December 10th. TD 31W moved quickly west-northwest at 23 mph, and became Tropical Storm Talas shortly before it passed 15 miles south of Kwajalein at 2145 SST that evening, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. After giving Kwajalein and the nearby island of Ebeye a brief period of tropical storm conditions, Talas proceeded west, passing 55 miles south of Ujae at about 0700 SST on the 11th. Tropical Storm Talas then continued on a westerly track over the next two days, passing well south of Guam the evening of the 13th, and well north of Yap the following evening.Kwajalein: The highest sustained wind was from the east-northeast at 46 mph at 2154 SST on the 10th. The peak gust of 64 mph from the east occurred 8 minutes later, at 2202 SST. The lowest sea-level pressure was 1002.9 mb, recorded at 2130 SST. Rainfall was light, amounting to 0.33 inches during Talas's passage. Ujae: No observations are available, but it likely that Ujae experienced a brief period of minimal tropical storm force winds near 40 mph around 0700 SST on the 11th. STORM EFFECTS AND DAMAGEKwajalein: The recently-erected sandblast shelter at the marine facility, valued at $700,000, was completely destroyed. The metal doors at the east end of Kwajalein High School were blown off, and the roof was damaged. Several metal buildings had roof damage or collapsed walls. Many coconut and leafy trees were uprooted. Repairs to buildings and clean-up of debris cost an estimated $300,000. No injuries were reported. Total damage is estimated at $1,000,000. Ebeye: On Ebeye, located about 5 miles north of Kwajalein, many houses suffered roof damage, and some coconut trees were uprooted. Damage costs, including clean-up, are estimated at $50,000.Ujae: No reports were received from Ujae, but it is likely some damage occurred to crops and other vegetation.