Tropical Storm Saudel strengthened slightly overnight to 45 mph and was about 275 miles east-southeast of Saipan at 4 a.m., moving northwest at 13 mph. HSEM says Saudel is passing well east of Guam and Rota, could become a typhoon tonight and is expected to pass through the far Northern Mariana Islands on Saturday as an intensifying Category 3 typhoon. The tropical storm watch and Tropical Storm Condition III continue for Saipan and Tinian; the typhoon watch and Typhoon Condition III continue for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan. A high rip current risk begins at 3 p.m. for east-facing reefs. Next bulletin: 8 a.m.
