Tropical Storm in Guam, December 19 to 20, 2004

TROPICAL STORM NORUTropical Depression (TD) 32W developed about 550 miles east of Guam on the evening of December 17th. Moving steadily west at 10 mph, TD 32W was upgraded to Tropical Storm Noru about 350 miles east of Guam the following afternoon at 1600 SST. Tropical Storm Noru maintained maximum sustained winds near 40 mph as it continued toward Guam. Noru approached to within 205 miles east of Guam at 1000 SST on the 19th, then turned northwest and north, passing 55 miles east of Saipan at 2300 SST that evening with maximum winds of 45 mph. The following day, Noru intensified to 65 mph, passing 40 miles east of Pagan Island at 1200 SST, and 52 miles east of Agrihan at 1530 SST. Noru brought locally heavy rain and minor flooding to Saipan, and brief periods of minimal tropical storm conditions to Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan. Saipan: No significant wind was recorded at Saipan International Airport during Noru's passage. Rainfall of 2 to 3 inches on the 19th resulted in brief flooding in low-lying areas. The airport recorded 2.80 inches, while 2.20 inches fell at Capitol Hill. Pagan Island: The highest sustained wind measured by the automated observing station was from the northeast at only 21 mph, on the 20th at 0500 SST, but the peak gust was 59 mph at about the same time. In the 24 hours ending at 1300 SST on the 20th, 5.16 inches of rain fell. Another 2 inches or more likely fell after that time, but observations are not available. The lowest sea-level pressure was 991.2 mb, recorded at 1300 SST on the 20th. Alamagan and Agrihan: No observations are available, but wind and rain were likely similar to what was experienced on Pagan Island. STORM EFFECTS AND DAMAGESaipan: Local flooding prompted seven people to seek shelter. No injuries or significant damage were reported. Agrihan/Pagan/Alamagan: No injuries or significant damage were reported from any of the islands.