At 06:00 UTC of December 9, the JTWC started to monitor a low-latitude area of convection in the Pacific Ocean at 4°36′N 142°24′E﻿ / ﻿4.6°N 142.4°E﻿ / 4.6; 142.4, located about 350 nautical miles (650 km; 400 mi) to Palau's east-southeast.