Typhoon In-Fa threatens Guam

Typhoon In-fa is forecast to roar past the American territory of Guam on Saturday, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

As of late afternoon Thursday U.S. time, the Category 1 typhoon was located about 370 miles southeast of Guam, according to the National Weather Service. Maximum sustained winds were 85 mph, and it was moving to the northwest at 13 mph.

On Saturday, the storm should pass to the south of Guam. By that time, it could be as strong as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane with winds over 100 mph, according to AccuWeather.

In-fa should pass far enough south of Guam that the island will be spared the worst impacts. However, tropical storm conditions are expected with wind gusts over 40 mph and downpours capable of producing flash flooding, AccuWeather said.

Increased rainfall and gusty winds are expected through the weekend, according to the Pacific Daily News.

The storm’s closest point of approach is expected midday Saturday, and southern parts of the island could experience “low-end” tropical storm conditions, said weather service meteorologist Brandon Aydlett.

Guam in COR3, rain from In-Fa expected Friday

Guam has been placed in what's known on the island as "Condition Readiness 3," which means damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours, according to the Pacific Daily News. On that scale, 1 is the most serious and 4 the least serious.

In-Fa is the 27th named tropical cyclone of the year in the western Pacific Ocean.