Tropical Storm — Belau, Guam

2021-12-14 · Belau, Guam

Event narrative

On December 10 2021 a few circulations could be found over Yap state FSM. One near 4N14E with the second near 6N151E. By the morning of the 11th the eastern most circulation survived and was near 6N148E. On the morning of the 12th it had moved

to 5N145E. By the afternoon of the 12th the circulation showed increased organized and became the subject of a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

By the afternoon of the 13th the system became Tropical Depression 28W and was located near 5.3N 141.2E or about 360 miles southeast of Yap. On the morning of the 14th Tropical Depression 28W continued to strengthen and became Tropical Storm Rai. At this time Rai was located near 6.3N 139.3E or 235 miles east-southeast of Yap. Moving westward Tropical Storm Rai passed across the Republic of Palau and

was near 7.8N 134.7E on the evening of the 14th. At this time Rai was located 20 miles south of Kayangel and 35 miles north-northeast of Koror. Near the center of the tropical storm winds were estimated to be near 65 mph. On the afternoon of the 15th Rai had moved to 9.0N and 131.7E or about 215 miles north-northwest of Kayangel and became a typhoon.

A total of 44 shelters provided safety for 930 people. An additional 1052 people went to hotels. Total damage to two houses, one in Kayangel with the other in Koror. The Catholic Church in Kayangel also saw some roof damage. Major damage to 17 households, with 239 houses seeing minor damage.

Along the coast of Palau's northwest state of Ngaraad, there was evidence of a storm surge that went 15 to 20 feet inland. A preliminary assessment showed little damage to infrastructure

Peak wind gust recorded at the airport was 35 knots 14/0950Z. Highest sustained winds were 18 knots at 14/1250 and 14/1350Z.

Wider weather episode

A typhoon developed and passed over the western half of Micronesia.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 999976. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.