Extremely Catastrophic Super Typhoon NIDA (26W)

NIDA (26W) MAX WIND SPEED PER AGENCY:

+ USA (JTWC/1-min avg): 270 km/hr
+ Japan (JMA/10-min avg): 205 km/hr
+ Korea (KMA/10-min avg): 205 km/hr
+ Taiwan (CWB/10-min avg): 215 km/hr
+ Beijing (NMC/2-min avg): 215 kph

SUPER TYPHOON NIDA [26W/0922]
T2K PUBLIC ADVISORY NUMBER 014
6:00 PM PST (10:00 GMT) Thu 26 November 2009
Source: T2K Analysis/JTWC Warning #018 & SatFix
# View: Advisory Archives (2004-2009)

Extremely Catastrophic Super Typhoon NIDA (26W) continues to wane in intensity while slowing down over the Western Pacific Ocean...remains at Category 5, carrying winds of 270 km/hr with higher gusts.

*Residents and visitors along the Eastern Coast of the Philippines should closely monitor the progress of NIDA.

*Do not use this for life or death decision. This advisory is intended for additional information purposes only. Kindly refer to your country's official weather agency for local warnings, advisories & bulletins.

Current Storm Information

Time/Date: 6:00 PM PST Thu Nov 26 2009
Location of Eye: 15.5º N Lat 139.9º E Lon
Distance 1: 575 km (310 nm) NW of Guam, CNMI
Distance 2: 525 km (283 nm) East of P.A.R.
Distance 3: 1,895 km (1,025 nm) East of Luzon, PH
MaxWinds (1-min avg): 270 kph (145 kts) near the center
Peak Wind Gusts: 315 kph (175 kts)
6-hr Rain Amounts (near the center): 200 mm [Heavy]
Minimum Central Pressure: 914 millibars (hPa)
Saffir-Simpson Typhoon Scale: Category 5
Present Movement: NW @ 19 kph (10 kts)
Towards: Iwo To-Chichi Jima Islands
Size (in Diameter): 815 km (440 nm) / Large
Max Sea Wave Height (near center): 44 ft (13.3 m)
Coastal Storm Surge Height: >18 feet [5.5 m]
Wunder TrackMap (for Public): 2 PM PST Thu Nov 26

+ Forecast Outlook: NIDA is expected to continue losing strength and slow down further as it turns northward within the next 2 days. The 3 to 5-day Long-Range Forecast shows the system weakening to a Category 2 and will begin to recurve sharply towards the NE by Sunday afternoon (2PM Nov 29: 22.2N 140.4E)...about 1,950 km East of Taiwan or 305 km SSW of Iwo To. NIDA will accelerate ENE-ward on Monday (2PM Nov 30: 25.5N 144.7E)...and will be downgraded into a Tropical Storm as increasing upper-level winds (aka. Vertical Wind Shear) and lower sea surface temperatures (SSTs) affects its circulation and start transitioning into an Extratropical Cyclone Tuesday afternoon (2PM Dec 01: 29.8N 153.1E). Based on this forecast, this system is not forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). *Alternate Forecast Scenario (AFS): Less than half of its cluster of forecast models are showing NIDA to turn towards the left...tracking it towards the Philippines on a West to WSW motion due to an approaching High Pressure Ridge off China. This scenario remains poor at this time. Please be reminded that the Forecast Outlook changes every 6 hours, so a turn to the left or right of its future track and other possibilities must be considered.

+ Effects & Hazards: NIDA's southeastern outer rainbands still spreading across Marianas including Guam & Saipan, bringing passing rains with squalls across the area. 6-hr total rainfall amounts of 5 up to 100 mm (light to moderate rain) can be expected along the outer and inner bands...with isolated amounts of 200 mm (heavy rain) near the center of Nida. Click here to view the latest NOAA's eTRaP graphic on the storm's rainfall amount. Possible coastal Storm Surge flooding of 9 to 12 feet above normal tide levels...accompanied by large and dangerous battering waves...is possible along the coastal areas of Marianas including Guam & Saipan. Extensive damage is likely on this type of storm surge.

[Important Note: Please keep in mind that the above forecast outlook, effects, current monsoon intensity, & tropical cyclone watch changes every 6 to 12 hrs!]