Strong Wind — Micronesia, Guam

2025-08-28 · Micronesia, Guam

Event narrative

The ASCAT (Advanced Scatterometer) instrument on Metop-C measured sea surface winds of around 30 kt just north of Pohnpei around 1112Z or 2112ChST, associated with a trade-wind trough passing through the region that was also producing scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. The Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) reported that the island wide power outage that occurred around 2000ChST (2100LST) was due to fallen trees on the primary lines at Sekere and Dolonier areas (both located in the north-northeast side of Pohnpei. Gusts over land were estimated be around 30 kt or 35 mph. Damages were estimated to be around 4 Thousand $USD.

Wider weather episode

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) developed across eastern Micronesia, producing areas of gusty winds and heavy rainfall, especially along embedded trade-wind troughs. Heavy rainfall impacted Pohnpei on August 25 with an automated weather station at Weather Service Pohnpei recording rain rates from 2.83 to 3.78 inches from 1234ChST (1334LST) to 1304ChST (1404LST). Then on August 28th, ASCAT wind data showed 30 kt winds along a sharp trough moving near Pohnpei and producing heavy showers and isolated thunderstorm, these wind reached Pohnpei around 1900-2000ChST (2000-2100LST) lead to power outages island wide due to downed trees.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1294579. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.