NASA's TRMM satellite captures Typhoon Melor as it reaches Japan
Melor began as a tropical depression back on the 29th of September 2009 about 1000 miles (~1600 km) east-southeast of Guam in the Northern Mariana Islands. Over the next couple of days, the system steadily intensified, first into a tropical storm on the 30th, then into a typhoon on the morning of the 1st of October. At which time, Melor underwent a rapid intensification cycle and quickly reached Category 4 intensity on the night of the 1st with sustained winds estimated at 115 knots (~132 mph) by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) as it moved toward the west-northwest in the direction of the Northern Marianas. Melor underwent minor fluctuations in intensity before passing through the Northern Marianas Islands on the afternoon (local time) of the 3rd where it caused only relatively minor damage. After clearing the islands, Melor strengthened once again, becoming the 3rd super typhoon of the year...