Nuri 2026: Zero-Impact Tropical Depression in Yap State
In the early records of the 2026 Western Pacific typhoon season, Tropical Depression Nuri (WP032026) was the basin's third tropical cyclone but never reached tropical storm strength. This low-latitude system formed near Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia and dissipated at 03 UTC on March 12. Official impact statistics for Ulithi Atoll and Yap Island recorded zero injuries, zero evacuations, and zero property damage from Nuri.
Weak Genesis, Strong Shear: Why Nuri Stayed a Depression
Tracking data for WP032026 show Tropical Depression Nuri developing in a low-latitude environment, then moving west-northwest under the steering flow of a subtropical ridge. Sea surface heat was adequate, yet persistent upper-level wind shear suppressed deep convection around the center. With its low-level circulation exposed and no closed eyewall forming, maximum sustained winds never reached the 34-knot tropical storm threshold. Shear steadily drained convective energy until the system was declared fully dissipated at 03 UTC on March 12.
Fringe Winds Over Ulithi and Yap: A Zero-Casualty Transit
As Tropical Depression Nuri approached Yap State, monitoring networks at Ulithi Atoll and Yap Island recorded no tropical-storm-force winds. The strongest winds remained offshore, and rainfall stayed modest, with no storm surge or flooding reported. The finalized civil defense data show zero deaths, zero injuries, zero evacuations, and zero financial losses directly attributable to Nuri.
Dissipation at 03 UTC: A Quiet Page in the 2026 Record
Tropical Depression Nuri ended its lifecycle without ever issuing a tropical storm warning. Best-track analysis placed its final dissipation over the sea near Yap at 03 UTC on March 12. Every station logged only light breezes and brief showers, closing the storm’s chapter as one of the quietest systems in the 2026 Western Pacific database.