Tropical storm moving toward Yap

AGANA, Guam (Pacific Daily News): March 1, 2002 – Guam residents can expect more rain and gusty winds today as a storm approaches nearby islands. As of 7 p.m., Tropical Storm 02W was located at 7.1 degrees north and 152.6 degrees east.

The storm is about 700 miles east southeast of Guam, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Ward.

It was located about 50 miles east southeast of Chuuk and if it continues on its path, may hit Yap in a few days, Ward said.

A tropical storm warning was issued yesterday for Chuuk, Puluwat and Satawal, Ward said.

“For the most part, the tropical storm should stay south of (Guam),” Ward said, adding that it is too early to tell how close to Guam the storm could move.

The storm was moving to the west, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph, he said. “It is still trying to get consolidated,” Ward said.

The weather service will issue advisories and special weather statements as appropriate and those will be published on their Web site, he said