Tropical Storm in Guam, May 17 to 18, 2004

TROPICAL STORM OMAISTropical Depression 06W had its beginning on the morning of May 16th, about 415 miles southeast of Yap. As it moved northwest, it became Tropical Storm Omais late that evening. Omais continued on a northwest track until, at 0700 SST on the morning of the 18th, it was centered just 80 miles southeast of Yap with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. From there it was forecast to move over Yap that evening as a typhoon with 80 mph winds. Instead, Omais maintained its 70 mph intensity and turned suddenly to a west-northwest track, passing 35 miles southwest of Yap that afternoon around 1300 SST. By 1900 SST that evening, Omais was 100 miles west of Yap, still a tropical storm with 70 mph winds, and moving quickly away. Coming only five weeks after Typhoon Sudal devastated Yap, Omais caused considerable anxiety among Yap residents as it approached, especially among those still living in tents or other temporary shelters. However, Omais's sudden left turn the morning of the 18th, along with its small size, spared Yap from experiencing any damaging winds or flooding rains. At the Yap Weather Service Office, the highest 2-minute wind was only 23 mph from the north at 0657 SST, and the maximum gust was 41 mph from the east at 1010 SST. The maximum 24-hour rainfall was 1.85 inches through 1600 SST on the 18th, and the lowest sea-level pressure was 1005.6 mb at 1454 and 1554 SST. No deaths, injuries or damage were reported anywhere in Yap State.