Tropical Storm Melor is moving slowly east of the Marianas.  While a Typhoon Watch is in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Guam, meaning tropical storm conditions including winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour or more are possible within the next 48 hours.

Melor's center is currently located near 13.2 degrees north latitude and 153.1 degrees east longitude, placing the disturbance about 560 miles to the east of Guam.  The tropical storm is moving west-northwest at 6 MPH, packing maximum sustained winds of 70 MPH.  It's expected to intensify and become a typhoon during the next 12 hours.

National Weather Service senior forecaster Carl McElroy says Melor is tracking to pass between Saipan and Anatahan mid-afternoon on Saturday.  McElroy says Melor is a much bigger system than Tropical Storm 18W that passed Guam yesterday, adding that regardless of where Melor passes, the Marianas will be affected by what's anticipated to be a strong Category 2 storm with winds between 105-110 MPH when it passes through.

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects that can be blown around.  Boat owners and captains of small crafts need to determine the best strategy for securing their craft.