5 Tropical Revolving Storms

5.1 Introduction

A Tropical Revolving Storm is a cyclonic disturbance originating in the tropics.

It involves strong convection, frequently extending from the surface to the tropopause.

Characteristics:
• smaller size than temperate depressions;
• nearly circular isobars
• no fronts
• very steep pressure gradient
• great intensity;

World Meteorological Organisation nomenclature is based on wind speed:

Description Wind speed Beaufort force
Tropical depression <= 33 kts <= 7
Moderate tropical storm 34 - 47 kts 8 and 9
Severe tropical storm 48 - 63 kts 10 and 11
Hurricane or synonym >64 kts 12

Synonyms:
Cyclone Indian Ocean.
Hurricane North Atlantic, Caribbean, central and east North Pacific, and South Pacific.
Typhoon Western North Pacific and South China Sea.

Extreme values of elements:

Pressure 870 hPa
Rainfall 95 mm/h
Storm surge 13 m. (Sea level rise due to low atmospheric pressure, wind and shallow water)
Wind speed 185 kts
Wave height 34 metres
Size Approximate radius of gale force winds, minimum 30 NM, maximum 600 NM
Duration 31 days

Tropical storms are potentially capable of overwhelming the largest and most seaworthy vessels
and should be avoided if at all possible.
The area of greatest danger is the eye where sea waves are both extremely high and approach from
all directions.

5.2 Development of Tropical Revolving Storms

5.2.1 Conditions for formation

Considerable energy is required for the formation and development of a tropical revolving storm.
This is derived from energy contained in water vapour and particularly latent heat released by
condensation.
The following conditions are required:
 Sea temperature greater than 26°C over a large area raising air temperature and
humidity.
 Atmospheric instability due to high Environment Lapse Rate.
 Instability accentuated by high humidity increasing Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate.
 Latitude greater than 5° where the Coriolis Force is sufficient to provide vorticity,
cyclonic circulation.
 Low wind shear (change of wind speed with altitude) in the troposhere permitting
vertical development.
 Conditions permitting divergence of airflow at altitude, removing air from the area and
reducing atmospheric pressure.
 A tropical disturbance to initiate the process. This is likely to be convection associated
with an easterly wave, the InterTropical Convergence Zone.
5.2.2 Tropical Revolving Storm areas and seasons

Areas of tropical revolving storm genesis are in approximately 10° latitude in the warmest areas of
the oceans.
These, with months of highest occurrence and average annual frequency, are:
• North Atlantic August - October 9
• North Indian Ocean May - June, October - November 6
• North Pacific West July - October 26
• North Pacific East August - September 13
• South Atlantic One Tropical Revolving Storm has been recorded, in March
2004.
• South Indian Ocean West January - March 8
• South Indian Ocean East January - March 10
• South Pacific West January - March 6 Global total
79

Average monthly frequency of Tropical Revolving Storms.

Area J F M A M J J A S O N D
North Atlantic 0.1 0.4 0.5 1.5 2.6 1.9 0.5
Western North Pacific 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.7 1.0 3.2 4.2 4.6 3.2 1.7 1.2
Eastern North Pacific 0.1 0.8 0.7 1.0 1.9 1.0 0.1
Western North Indian Ocean 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 .3 0.1
Eastern North Indian Ocean 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.4
South Atlantic <0.1
Western South Indian Ocean 1.3 1.7 1.2 0.6 0.2 0.1
Eastern South Indian Ocean 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1
Western South Pacific 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.3

5.2.3 Tropical Revolving Storm development

Considerable research continues into the details of tropical storm formation.

Broadly the sequence is:
• Preconditions exist. These do not inevitably lead to storm formation, but are the
minimum criteria required.
• Reduced pressure leads to airflow toward the centre.
• Coriolis effect produces cyclonic motion.
• Convection and convergence produce ascending airflow at the centre.
• Adiabatic cooling of ascending air leads to condensation.
• Condensation releases latent heat, which accentuates convection.
• Divergence at altitude permits further ascent and convergence at the surface.
• The system intensifies and acquires the structure of a Tropical Revolving Storm.

5.2.4 Structure of a Tropical Revolving Storm

Elements of the structure:

• Outer convective band of cumulus cloud.
• Annular zone of descending air clear of cloud.
• Inner convective band of deep cumulus, and cumulonimbus extending to the
tropopause, in spiral bands moving toward the centre.
• Eye Wall of high velocity wind moving parallel to the isobars and ascending rapidly.
• Eye, descending air warming adiabatically and cloud free. Horizontal wind speed
very low.
• Canopy of cirrus clouds at the troposphere in the divergent outflow, some of which
descends in the annular zone.
5.2.5 Movement

Tropical revolving storms move approximately with the flow of air in the troposphere in their
vicinity.
A high proportion of storms move around the oceanic anticyclone into higher latitudes.
Others move westward with a degree of poleward movement.
Movement may be highly erratic within the broad pattern.
Speed varies from approximately 10 kts near the equator to 25 knots in higher latitudes.

5.2.6 Decay

Tropical Revolving Storms endure as long as conditions lie within the necessary parameters.
Decay occurs when the energy required for sustained activity is no longer available.
This occurs when the storm moves over an area where temperature and humidity are reduced.
This may be a land surface in the tropics, or a sea surface in the tropics or higher latitudes where
temperatures are lower.

A Tropical Revolving Storm may cross a landmass, decreasing in intensity, then regenerate over a
warm sea surface again. Tropical Revolving Storms cross the Central American isthmus, the
Philippines archipelago, Taiwan, the Malaysian peninsula, Madagascar and Australia in this way.
A Tropical Revolving Storm may decrease in intensity and lose its tropical characteristics in middle
latitudes (35° - 45°) and become a middle latitude depression.

5.2.7 Weather conditions

From the annular zone to the eye wall:

• Pressure decreases.
• Wind speed increases.
• Angle of Indraft decreases.
• Sea wave height increases.
• Swell wave direction is from wind
field near eye.
• Swell wave height increases.
• Cloud cover is total.
• Precipitation increases in intensity.

In the eye:
• Pressure steadies.
• Wind speed may be low or
calm.
• Sea waves may be low.
• Swell waves are extremely
high and moving in all
directions.
• Cloud cover may be absent.
• Precipitation may be
absent.
From the eye wall to the annular zone
• Pressure increases.
• Wind speed immediately rises to maximum, then decreases.
• Wind direction is opposite to the original.
• Angle of Indraft is zero then increases.
• Sea wave height is maximum, then decreases.
• Swell wave direction is from opposite wind field near eye.
• Swell wave height decreases.
• Cloud cover is total.
• Precipitation is intense then decreases.
5.3 Avoidance of Tropical Revolving Storms

The following apply to tropical latitudes.

5.3.1 Warning messages

Comprehensive warnings are broadcast by radio and telex of known storms and these sources
should be closely monitored when navigating in areas prone to Tropical Revolving Storms in the
appropriate seasons.
GMDSS radio installations receive navigation warnings, including Tropical Revolving Storm warnings,
automatically.
Other sources are listed in the Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Volume III, and similar publications.

5.3.2 Detection

Not all storms are detected by shore based meteorological services, and shipboard instruments and
observation of meteorological phenomena should be used to detect the presence of a Tropical
Revolving Storm.

5.3.2.1 Swell

In open waters, with no intervening land, a swell generated by the high seas within a Tropical
Revolving Storm may be the earliest warning of a storm.
The swell approaches from the direction of the storm.

5.3.2.2 Atmospheric pressure.

In the tropics the diurnal variation of atmospheric pressure is marked and a normal feature.
Falling pressure in the area affected by a Tropical Revolving Storm initially damps the diurnal
variation, and the disappearance of this feature is an early warning sign of Tropical Revolving Storm
development.
A barograph trace indicates this clearly.
In the absence of a barograph atmospheric pressure should be noted at hourly intervals and the
changes observed.

The atmospheric pressure in the tropics varies little from the seasonal average.
The seasonal average pressure appears in publications such as Routeing Charts and Sailing
Directions.
Observed atmospheric pressure should be corrected for altitude to Sea Level, and for diurnal
variation.
Altitude correction tables are provided to observing ships, Diurnal Variation Tables are contained in
Sailing Directions.
(At 25°C the rate of change of pressure with altitude is approximately 0.11 hPa per metre.)
Then, comparing the seasonal average with the corrected pressure:
• A fall of 3 hPa below the seasonal average for the area indicates the probable development
of a Tropical Revolving Storm in the vicinity.
• A fall of 5 hPa below the seasonal average for the area indicates the presence of a Tropical
Revolving Storm, probably within 200 NM.

Atmospheric pressure recorded in logbooks and transmitted to meteorological services should be

corrected for altitude only, not diurnal variation.

Decreasing atmospheric pressure indicates the approach of a Tropical Revolving Storm.

5.3.2.3 Wind

Wind direction and speed is generally fairly constant in the tropics.

Variation from the normal direction for the area and season, and increasing wind speed, are
indications of the approach of a Tropical Revolving Storm.
5.3.2.4 Clouds

Vivid colouring of the sky at sunrise and sunset may be a precursor of a Tropical Revolving Storm.
Cirrus clouds increasing in density may be visible 300 to 600 NM from the storm and are followed by
lower clouds increasing in coverage as it approaches.

5.3.2.5 Visibility

Exceptionally good visibility frequently exists in the vicinity of a Tropical Revolving Storm.

5.3.2.6 Radar

Radar is capable of detecting the precipitation of a Tropical Revolving Storm.

The range is limited and other signs will probably be manifest before the storm is within radar
range.

5.3.2.7 Reporting

The Master is required by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 31 to inform the nearest authority and
shipping in the vicinity if winds of Beaufort force 10 and above are encountered and no storm
warning has been received.
Similar warnings are required if the presence of a Tropical Revolving Storm is suspected or
established.

The message should include:

• A statement of the presence of a Tropical Revolving Storm or storm force wind
• Date and time UT
• Position of vessel
• Barometric pressure corrected to sea level
• Barometric tendency
• True wind direction
• Wind force Beaufort
• Sea state
• Swell direction, height and period
• Vessel’s course and speed

Subsequently similar messages should be transmitted at hourly intervals if possible, not greater
than three hourly intervals, while the vessel is in the vicinity of the storm.
5.3.3 Avoidance

Verte Trough
x Advance Line Rear

Dangerous
Right Quadrant
Vorte
Path Track
x

Left

Tropical Revolving
Storm Navigable
Northern Hemisphere Semicircle

5.3.3.1 Features of a Tropical Revolving Storm

The Track is the historical route the storm has followed.

The Path is the route the storm is forecast to follow.
The Trough Line is a line through the centre at right angles to the path.
The Vortex is the eye of the storm.
The Vertex is the westerly extremity of the path when the storm recurves.

The Dangerous Quadrant is the Advance Right Quadrant of the storm in the Northern Hemisphere,
and the Advance Left Quadrant in the Southern Hemisphere.

This is because:

• The storm is likely to recurve in this direction.

• Winds tend to drive the vessel into the Path of the storm.
• Sea waves running toward the Path hamper movement away from the Path.
• The cross swell from the vicinity of the Trough Line running across the sea waves is
likely to be more severe in this quadrant.
• Wave heights are likely to be higher in this area.

The navigable Semicircle is the Left Semicircle in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Right
Semicircle in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The storm is unlikely to move into this area.
• Winds tend to drive the vessel out of the path of the storm in the advance quadrant.
 Tropical Revolving
Storm Navigable
Southern Hemisphere Semicircle

Right
Vorte
Path Track
x

Dangerous
Left
Quadrant

Verte
x Advance Trough
Rear
Line

5.3.3.2 Establishing the vessel's position relative to the storm.

The vessel should heave to so that the vessel's movement does not modify changes in the elements
that will then be due to the storm’s movement.

5.3.3.3 The direction of the vortex

Buys-Ballots law together with the angle of indraft is used to establish the direction of the centre
of the storm.

Face the wind.

Low pressure lies on the right in the Northern Hemisphere and on the left in the Southern
Hemisphere.
The direction is 90° + Angle of Indraft from the wind direction.

Approximate Angle of Indraft.

Pressure starts to fall. 4 points.
Pressure has fallen 10 hPa. 2 points.
Pressure has fallen 20 hPa. 0 points.

5.3.3.4 The distance of the vortex

In the absence of other information, assume that the centre is approximately 200 NM away if the
pressure has fallen 5 hPa and the wind is approximately Force 6, and approximately 100 NM away if
the wind is Force 8.

5.3.3.5 Relative position

The following description and table may be used to establish the observer’s position relative to the
storm.
These are true for both northern and southern hemispheres.
Pressure:
Falling. Advance. Wind Veering
Steady. Trough line.
Rising. Rear.
Pressure Wind Pressure
Wind direction: Falling. Directio Rising.
Veering. Right semicircle. Wind n Wind
Steady. Path or track. Force Steady Force
Backing. Left semicircle. Increasing. Decreasing

Wind force:
Increasing. Advance. Wind
Steady. Trough line. Backing
Decreasing. Rear.

Steady conditions may indicate a stationary storm.

Position relative to Tropical Revolving Storm

Sector Wind Wind Pressure
Direction force
Path Steady Increasing Falling
Right Advance Veering Increasing Falling
Right Trough Veering Steady Steady
Line
Right Rear Veering Decreasing Rising
Track Steady Decreasing Rising
Left Advance Backing Increasing Falling
Left Trough Line Backing Steady Steady
Left Rear Backing Decreasing Rising

5.3.3.6 The future movement of the storm

In addition to the above:

Storms are unlikely to move toward the equator.
In latitudes less than approximately 20° storms are unlikely to move eastward.

5.3.3.7 Actions to avoid the worst effects of the storm.

Northern Hemisphere

Dangerous Quadrant
Steer a course with the wind ahead or on the starboard bow and proceed at maximum practicable
speed.
Alter course as the wind veers.
(From a position close to the Path it may be practicable to cross the path into the Navigable
Semicircle as below.)

In the Path
Steer a course with the wind on the starboard quarter and proceed with maximum practicable
speed into the navigable semicircle.

Navigable Semicircle
Steer a course with the wind on the starboard quarter and proceed with maximum practicable
speed away from the path.
Alter course as the wind backs.

Rear
Heave to with the wind on the starboard bow and allow the storm to move clear of the intended
course.
Southern Hemisphere

Dangerous Quadrant
Steer a course with the wind ahead or on the port bow and proceed at maximum practicable speed.
Alter course as the wind backs.
(From a position close to the Path it may be practicable to cross the path into the Navigable
Semicircle as below.)

In the Path
Steer a course with the wind on the port quarter and proceed with maximum practicable speed into
the navigable semicircle.

Navigable Semicircle
Steer a course with the wind on the port quarter and proceed with maximum practicable speed
away from the path.
Alter course as the wind veers.

Rear
Heave to with the wind on the port bow and allow the storm to move clear of the intended course.

5.3.3.8 Subsequent action.

All parameters must be monitored to assess the movement of the storm, and the action taken
modified accordingly.

5.3.3.9 Danger sectors

When reports of the storm's position and forecast movement are available danger sectors may be
plotted.
The position of the storm is plotted.
The forecast path is plotted.
A sector is plotted centred on the position, 40° on either side of the forecast path, radius the
forecast movement with an allowance for greater speed than forecast.
The vessel is manoeuvred to avoid the sector.
The process is repeated with each forecast received.

5.3.3.10 Other factors

The actions above may have to be modified due to factors such as the proximity of land or shallow
water.
5.4 Typhoon Account

On 18th December 1944 the US Pacific Fleet, operating in support of the invasion of the
Philippines, were caught near the centre of a Typhoon. Three destroyers capsized and sank with
practically all hands. A cruiser, six light aircraft carriers and three destroyers were seriously
damaged, nineteen other vessels sustained lesser damage. Fires broke out in three aircraft carriers,
146 aircraft were smashed or lost overboard and approximately 790 officers and men killed.

The CO of USS "Dewey" noticed increasing sea at dusk and ordered FW and FO to be shifted from
high to low tanks and ready-use ammunition moved down to magazines. By dawn, mountainous seas
were running and the ship was pitching so heavily as to expose the keel as far aft as the bridge then
the propellers and half the bottom were visible.

The low visibility conditions increased the risk of collision and ships often would not answer their
helms. The high wind speeds caused spray to peel off paintwork and to penetrate watertight
instruments. Rolling was so heavy that lubricating oil suction was lost and turbines had to be
stopped at the beginning of each roll. Stokers were often shoulder deep in water, hanging on to
anything available and swinging out nearly parallel to the deck. When the funnel guys parted, the
funnel went over the side and improved the stability. After five hours the destroyer came out of
the murk and spume into clear sky, the wind dropped to 50 knots and the ship was got under
control again.

The C. in C. (Admiral Nimitz) wrote to the fleet:

Possibly too much reliance was placed on the analysis broadcast from the Fleet Weather Centre ...
weather data was lacking for an area of about 300 miles in diameter (where the storm was centred)
and the immediate signs of it were not heeded early enough. Losses were accentuated by efforts of
vessels to maintain Fleet courses and speeds and formations during the storm.

The Admiral drew attention to the fact that in the days of sail a ships survival ... depended almost
solely on the competence of the master and on his constant alertness to every hint of change in the
weather ... a seaman was culpable who regards personal weather estimates as obsolete and assume
that if no radio storm warning has been received then all is well and no local signs need cause him
concern'.

He stressed that each CO should refresh himself on 'Knight' and 'Bowditch', not only as to the 'Law
of Storms' but also as to Ship Handling in Heavy Weather.

The following conditions were experienced in the storm.

Very poor visibility.
Ships in addition to heavy rolling were being heeled continually by the violent wind leaving little
margin of stability for any further rolling The ships that were lost took a long roll to leeward
varying from 50° to 80°, hung there and then capsized and sinking almost immediately.
Water was shipped through intakes, ventilation and all upper deck openings, short-circuiting
electrical switchboards and machinery and causing fires. Free surface in E.R. and other
compartments. Complete loss of steering control, power, lighting and navigational -instrumentation
and all communications. Main Engine stoppage. Wind speeds and seas which carried away masts,
funnels, boats, davits and deck structures. The cruiser "Pittsburgh" lost 100 feet off her bow. The
flight decks of aircraft carriers were peeled back like a banana skin.
It was impossible for men to secure gear that had gone adrift or to jettison any topweight or even
to stay up where they would have had a chance of getting clear of the sinking ship.

These experiences brought a suggestion from the C. in C. British Pacific Fleet that when destroyers
with only 50% FO were in the vicinity of a Tropical Revolving Storm, the tanks should be flooded
with sea water as had, up till then, only been permitted in exceptional circumstances, eg in Arctic
waters.
5.5 Tropical Revolving Storm Forecasts

The following is the text of a warning that illustrates the format and type of information given.
Different authorities’ warnings differ in presentation.

WTPN31 PGTW 110300

MSGID/GENADMIN/NAVPACMETOCCEN PEARL HARBOR HI/JTWC//
SUBJ/TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING//
1. SUPER TYPHOON 03W (SUDAL) WARNING NR 029
01 ACTIVE TROPICAL CYCLONE IN NORTHWESTPAC
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS BASED ON ONE-MINUTE AVERAGE
---
WARNING POSITION:
110000Z2 --- NEAR 13.2N6 132.2E8
MOVEMENT PAST SIX HOURS - 320 DEGREES AT 09 KTS
POSITION ACCURATE TO WITHIN 025 NM
POSITION BASED ON EYE FIXED BY SATELLITE
PRESENT WIND DISTRIBUTION:
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 130 KT, GUSTS 160 KT
BECOMING EXTRATROPICAL
RADIUS OF 100 KT WINDS - 020 NM
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 070 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
065 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
065 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
070 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 165 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
155 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
155 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
165 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
REPEAT POSIT: 13.2N6 132.2E8
---
FORECASTS:
12 HRS, VALID AT:
111200Z5 --- 14.3N8 131.4E9
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 135 KT, GUSTS 165 KT
RADIUS OF 100 KT WINDS - 025 NM
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 070 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
065 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
065 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
070 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 165 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
160 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
160 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
165 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
VECTOR TO 24 HR POSIT: 340 DEG/ 05 KTS
---
24 HRS, VALID AT:
120000Z3 --- 15.3N9 131.0E5
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 135 KT, GUSTS 165 KT
RADIUS OF 100 KT WINDS - 030 NM
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 075 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
070 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
070 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
075 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 170 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
165 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
165 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
170 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
VECTOR TO 36 HR POSIT: 010 DEG/ 06 KTS
 36 HRS, VALID AT:
121200Z6 --- 16.5N2 131.2E7
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 125 KT, GUSTS 150 KT
RADIUS OF 100 KT WINDS - 025 NM
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 060 NM
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 160 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
160 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
150 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
150 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
VECTOR TO 48 HR POSIT: 020 DEG/ 08 KTS
---
EXTENDED OUTLOOK:
48 HRS, VALID AT:
130000Z4 --- 18.0N9 131.7E2
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 110 KT, GUSTS 135 KT
RADIUS OF 100 KT WINDS - 020 NM
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 055 NM
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 145 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
145 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
135 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
135 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
VECTOR TO 72 HR POSIT: 030 DEG/ 10 KTS
---
72 HRS, VALID AT:
140000Z5 --- 21.5N8 134.0E8
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 085 KT, GUSTS 105 KT
BECOMING EXTRATROPICAL
RADIUS OF 050 KT WINDS - 050 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
040 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
050 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
040 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
RADIUS OF 034 KT WINDS - 130 NM NORTHEAST QUADRANT
115 NM SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
130 NM SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
115 NM NORTHWEST QUADRANT
VECTOR TO 96 HR POSIT: 045 DEG/ 17 KTS
---
LONG RANGE OUTLOOK:
NOTE...ERRORS FOR TRACK HAVE AVERAGED NEAR 250 NM
ON DAY 4 AND 350 NM ON DAY 5... AND FOR INTENSITY
NEAR 20 KT EACH DAY.
---
96 HRS, VALID AT:
150000Z6 --- 26.1N9 139.6E9
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 065 KT, GUSTS 080 KT
BECOMING EXTRATROPICAL
VECTOR TO 120 HR POSIT: 060 DEG/ 27 KTS
---
120 HRS, VALID AT:
160000Z7 --- 30.9N2 150.7E3
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS - 045 KT, GUSTS 055 KT
BECOMING EXTRATROPICAL
---
REMARKS:
110300Z5 POSITION NEAR 13.5N9 132.0E6.
SUPER TYPHOON (STY) 03W (SUDAL), LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 410 NM
WEST-NORTHWEST OF YAP, HAS TRACKED NORTHWESTWARD AT 09 KNOTS
OVER THE PAST 06 HOURS. THE WARNING POSITION IS BASED ON
102330Z9 ENHANCED MULTISPECTRAL SATELLITE IMAGERY. THE WARNING
INTENSITY IS BASED ON SATELLITE CURRENT INTENSITY ESTIMATES OF
115 AND 140 KNOTS. ENHANCED INFRARED SATELLITE IMAGERY INDICATES
THE EYE TEMPERATURE HAS WARMED APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES CELSIUS
OVER THE PAST SIX HOURS. MAXIMUM SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT AT
110000Z2 IS 38 FEET. REFER TO WWPW30 RJTX FOR ADDITIONAL SEA
HEIGHT INFORMATION. NEXT WARNINGS AT 110900Z1, 111500Z8, 112100Z5
AND 120300Z6.//
NNNN