Guam

The tropical disturbance is centered to the east of Guam and Rota and is now the subject of a tropical cyclone formation alert by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 

The system is expected to move toward the northwest over the next few days. As this disturbance moves through the Marianas, periods of heavy showers, occasional thunderstorms and wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are possible. 

Tropical storm conditions are not expected at this time, but this could change if the system slows down.

In a statement, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo says she has accepted John Whitt's resignation with immediate effect.

Mr Whitt was arrested in Maryland in April on allegations of second-degree assault and unwanted sexual contact, and charges were filed in a local court this week.

Ms Bordallo says she has a responsibility to represent and advocate the people to the best of her abilities, and the pending allegations against Mr Whitt could detract from carrying out those responsibilities.

Ashkan Dejagah put the home side ahead from the penalty spot after ten minutes, as Asia's top ranked team took a commanding 4-0 lead into half-time at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun bagged two goals each, with substitute Mehdi Torabi capping a clinical display with a final goal minutes from the end.

Defeat means the Mateo relinquish top spot in Group D to their next opponents, Oman, who beat Turkmenistan 3-1.

It says the Typhoon Watch has also been cancelled.

This morning, 9am local time, Tropical Storm Goni was 144 kilometres west of Saipan, 128 kilometres west of Tinian, 120 kilometres northwest of Rota and 168 kilometres north-northwest of Guam, packing 104 kph sustained winds. Tropical storm-force winds extend 120 from its centre.

Lead forecaster, Michael Ziobro, says Tropical Storm Goni will develop into a Typhoon either tonight or early tomorrow morning but it will be too faraway from Guam and the CNMI.

He says Goni is moving at 14 kilometres per hour.

Evacuation centres have been opened in both territories and residents have been urged to secure their properties and stock up on supplies.

Extensive flooding has been reported in Guam, after four inches of rain fell on the island today.

Goni is currently about 185 kilometres east, northeast of Guam and about 120 kilometres south, southeast of Saipan, which is still reeling from a direct hit by category three typhoon Soudelor two weeks ago.

The latest storm comes only two weeks after the Northern Marianas was struck by category three typhoon Soudelor, which caused extensive damage.

Michael Ziobro, from the US National Weather Service on Guam, says the storm is moving north, northwest at about 14 kilometres an hour and is projected to pass over Tinian and Rota early on Sunday.

Mr Ziobro says people in both the Northern Marianas and Guam should expect potentially damaging winds and heavy rain.

The weather service says at 2pm on Friday local time, Tropical Depression 16W was over 571 kilometres east-southeast of Saipan, about 579 kilometres east-southeast of Tinian and Rota, and about 611 kilometres east of Guam.

Tropical Depression 16W continues to move west-northwest at 12 kilometres per hour with maximum sustained winds are currently at 48 kilometres per hour.

A tropical storm watch means damaging winds of 62 kilometres per hour or stronger are possible within the next 48 hours.

Military and government officials attended the ceremony, including Capt. Andy Anderson, commanding officer of U.S. Naval Base Guam; Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and other members of the Guam Legislature; Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, commanding officer of the 36th Wing; and former Maj. Gen. Benny Paulino, former adjutant general of the Guam National Guard.

GovernorEddie Calvo and Brigadier General Roderick Leon Guerrero, current adjutant general of the Guard, delivered remarks during the ceremony. Air National Guard Capt. Alvin Alvarez served as master of ceremonies.

Won Pat and Senator Tom Ada, legislative chairman of the infrastructure committee, have been communicating with the water integration team that includes representatives from the Guam Waterworks Authority and the military.

As of July 22, the draft document is being reviewed by the Guam Waterworks Authority, Won Pat said. Stakeholders expect GWA and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to provide feedback on the draft plan.