Tropical Depression StormWatch No. 01

A newly-formed Tropical Depression has been spotted over Central Micronesia as it moves slowly westward…threatening Palau and Yap.

This TD is expected to intensify into a Tropical Storm (TS) within the next 24 hours and shall continue moving west to west-northwestward across the Western Micronesia.  It will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday (Dec 14), and will traverse Northern Caraga-Visayas-Palawan Area on Thursday through Friday (Dec 16-17).

• Location of Center: Over the southern portion of Central Micronesia (near 5.7°N 143.5°E)
• Distance 1: 868 km south of Guam, CNMI
• Distance 2: 1,006 km east of Koror, Palau
• Distance 3: 1,017 km east of Davao Oriental, PH

• Since this TD is still far away from the Philippine Landmass, no direct effect is expected from this system for the 24 to 72 hours.
• This tropical cyclone will be named domestically as “Odette” once it enters PAR on Tuesday. It will also be known internationally as “Rai” – a stone money used in Yap, FSM, 
• Entrance to PAR:  Tuesday, Dec 14.
• Possible Landfall Area on Thursday, Dec 16:  Somewhere along Northern Caraga & Leyte (please see attached Typhoon Track Graphics).
• Forecast to Exit PAR:  Saturday, Dec. 18.

Information based on data collected by Typhoon2000 (T2k) shall not be taken as official data. Weather information broadcasted and distributed by PAGASA remains as official data. Typhoon2000 (T2k) shall not be responsible for the private use and reliance of its weather information.