Hurricane in Guam, August 31, 2005

TYPHOON NABIThe disturbance that gave rise to Tropical Depression 14W developed rapidly about 600 miles east of Saipan in the Mariana Islands on Sunday evening August 28th. By 0400 SST on Tuesday the 30th, Tropical Storm Nabi was centered 375 miles east of Saipan, moving west at about 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Around 1100 SST on the 31st, Typhoon Nabi was passing between Saipan and the actively volcanic island of Anatahan, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. By 1000 SST the morning of September 1st, Nabi was 325 miles west-northwest of Saipan, moving away at 15 mph. Nabi's passage through the Mariana Islands brought tropical storm conditions to Saipan and Tinian, and, to a lesser extent, to Rota and Guam. Saipan: Typhoon Nabi passed 35 miles north-northeast of Saipan at around 1100 SST on August 31st. At Saipan International Airport, the maximum sustained wind and peak gust were from the southwest at 59 mph and 75 mph at 1515 SST on the 31st. The lowest sea-level pressure of 978.8 mb occurred at 1054 SST. In the 24 hours ending at 2151 SST on the 31st, the airport recorded 6.82 inches of rain. Guam: Nabi passed 170 miles north-northeast of Guam at 1100 SST on the 31st. At Guam International Airport, the highest sustained wind was 36 mph from the southwest at 0952 SST on September 1st, while the peak gust of 45 mph, also from the southwest, occurred late the previous evening at 2348 SST. The highest sustained wind anywhere on the island was from the southwest at 43 mph, measured by the automated station at Apra Harbor at 2351 SST on the 31st. The highest peak gust was 63 mph from the south, measured by the automated station at Mangilao at 0651 SST on the 1st. STORM EFFECTS AND DAMAGESaipan: Two houses were completely destroyed, while 26 others sustained major damage that made them unlivable. Another 77 houses had minor damage; mostly water damage or damage to roofs and windows. Over 700 residents evacuated to temporary shelters. Agricultural crops were 70 to 80 percent destroyed. Damage to trees and other vegetation resulted in 600 tons of debris. There was an island-wide power outage, and sporadic water outages as well. Tinian: Three buildings were destroyed, and six more had major damage. Crop damage was likely extensive.Rota: Other than some local flooding and brief power outages, no significant damage was reported. Guam: Some class rooms at Untalan Middle School were flooded on September 1st, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of 6th grade students. Several roads were flooded for a few hours, and some brief power outages occurred on Aug 31st. Total damage is estimated at $2.5 million.