By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
A new tropical depression formed over the waters of the West Pacific on Monday and it could become one of the most powerful tropical cyclones so far this year in the basin.
Typhoon Francisco became just the second typhoon of the year as it strengthened near Japan on Monday. Francisco is the first typhoon since Wutip in February, but it will weaken as it moves across Japan and South Korea into midweek. Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Lekima, currently located just east of the Philippines, is forecast to become a typhoon by Wednesday.
However, this new tropical threat could dwarf both Francisco and Lekima by the end of this week as it churns northward over the open West Pacific Ocean.
The new tropical depression is currently located near the Northern Mariana Islands and is bringing heavy rainfall to the nearby islands including Guam.
Guam has reported more than 125 mm (5 inches) of rain since Friday and additional downpours will soak the island into Wednesday.
While the rain does pose the risk for flooding across Guam and the Northern Mariana islands, it will be largely beneficial due to an ongoing drought.
Satellite image of a newly formed tropical depression near Guam on Monday night, local time. (Japan Meteorological Agency/Satellite Image)
As the tropical depression tracks to the north and northwest this week, it will become better organized and may reach tropical storm status by Wednesday.
Upon reaching tropical storm strength, the name Krosa will be given to the tropical cyclone.
Further strengthening is forecast during the second half of this week giving the tropical cyclone a high chance to become a typhoon.
A continued northward track this week will take the strengthening tropical cyclone toward Japan this weekend with the potential for impacts to the country by early next week.
The long-range track of this storm will determine whether Japan is dealt a glancing blow as the storm turns sharply eastward as it approaches the country or if the storm continues northward resulting in a direct hit.
If landfall occurs, impacts ranging from flash flooding to mudslide, damaging winds and significant travel delays will be possible.
If a track slightly more toward the northwest occurs, this tropical threat could bring the risk for flooding rainfall and strong winds to parts of South Korea as well.
A sharp turn prior to reaching Japan may spare the country from widespread severe impacts; however, there may still be the risk for heavy rainfall and gusty winds across parts of Honshu.
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