NIDA (26W) reaches Super Typhoon strength

NIDA (26W) MAX WIND SPEED PER AGENCY:

+ USA (JTWC/1-min avg): 230 km/hr
+ Japan (JMA/10-min avg): 185 km/hr
+ Korea (KMA/10-min avg): 180 km/hr
+ Taiwan (CWB/10-min avg): 170 km/hr
+ Beijing (NMC/2-min avg): 160 kph SUPER TYPHOON NIDA [26W/0922]
T2K PUBLIC ADVISORY NUMBER 011
6:00 PM PST (10:00 GMT) Wed 25 November 2009
Source: T2K Analysis/JTWC Warning #014 & RadarFix
# View: Advisory Archives (2004-2009) NIDA (26W) reaches Super Typhoon strength while continuing its journey across the Western Pacific Ocean, WSW of Guam...now a Category 5 howler w/ winds of 250 km/hr. Outer rainbands spreading across Guam and the Southern Marianas.

*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 Wed Nov 25 2009
Location of Eye: 12.3º N Lat 142.4º E Lon
Distance 1: 285 km (183 nm) WSW of Guam, CNMI
Distance 2: 565 km (305 nm) NE of Yap, FSM
Distance 3: 805 km (435 nm) East of P.A.R.
Distance 4: 1,835 km (990 nm) East of Visayas, PH
MaxWinds (1-min avg): 250 kph (135 kts) near the center
Peak Wind Gusts: 305 kph (165 kts)
6-hr Rain Amounts (near the center): 200 mm
Minimum Central Pressure: 922 millibars (hPa)
Saffir-Simpson Typhoon Scale: Category 5
Present Movement: NW @ 22 kph (12 kts)
Towards: Philippine Sea
Size (in Diameter): 740 km (400 nm) / Large
Max Sea Wave Height (near center): 24 ft (7.3 m)
Coastal Storm Surge Height: >18 feet [5.5 m]
Wunder TrackMap (for Public): 2 PM PST Wed Nov 25

+ Forecast Outlook: NIDA is currently displaying a well-defined 30-km. diameter eye, surrounded with an intense eyewall...and is expected to continue moving NW to NNW for the next 5 days, reaching its peak winds of 270 km/hr by tomorrow afternoon (2PM Nov 26: 14.8N 140.6E). The 5-day Long-Range Forecast shows the system maintaining its Category 5 strength until early Friday morning (2AM Nov 27: 16.0N 139.9E)...while about 1,890 km East of Northern Luzon. NIDA will start to slow down and begin turning northward while losing strength on late Friday until Monday, as increasing upper-level winds (aka. Vertical Wind Shear) affects its circulation (2PM Nov 28: 18.6N 138.3E...2PM Nov 29: 19.6N 137.9E...2PM Nov 30: 21.1N 137.7E). Based on this forecast, this system is not a threat to the Philippine Islands. *Alternate Forecast Scenario (AFS): 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 northeastern outer rainbands now spreading across Southern Marianas including Guam, bringing moderate to sometimes heavy squalls across the area. 6-hr total rainfall amounts of 5 up to 100 mm (light to heavy rain) can be expected along the outer and inner bands...with isolated amounts of 200 mm (very 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 Southern Marianas including Guam. 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!]