Tropical Storm — Micronesia, Guam

2003-05-21 to 2003-05-25 · Micronesia, Guam

Wider weather episode

On the morning of the 17th a circulation was noted on the monsoon trough about 500 miles southwest of Chuuk. Over the next few days the circulation gradually strengthened and was upgraded to Tropical Depression 04W at 1300 on the 19th when it was located 200 miles west-southwest of Chuuk. Further intensification occurred during the 19th and the system became a tropical storm by the evening, it was located 125 miles west-southwest of Chuuk at that time. West to southwest winds of 30 to 35 mph with a gust to 48 mph was reported at the NWS Office in Chuuk at 0535 on the morning of the 21st A gust to 53 mph at 1739 later on the 21st. The tropical storm was 175 miles to the northwest of Chuuk and moving away during the evening of the 21st. The winds began to subside after midnight on the 22nd, however a shower band moved across the island between 1800 to 2400. A wind gust to 48 mph from the west was reported at 1907 in these showers. These winds over Chuuk caused the sinking of the 1040 ton fishing vessel Nien Feioch (Chuukese for blessed lady). The strong winds generated waves, which pounded the ship against a concrete dock. This pounding broke chunks off the concrete dock and also knocked some holes in the ship. After a night of constant pounding the ship capsized, her lookout tower collapsing on the dock. Afterfurther damage from the waves the ship turned herself belly up. The dock was littered with broken cement and other debris. The ship was valued at $16 million.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5355988. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.