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Storm watch lifted but high surf warning remains
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Posted on Jan 17 2005
The Emergency Management Office and the National Weather Service lifted the tropical storm watch yesterday, as Tropical Storm Kulap moved away from the Mariana Islands.
The agencies, however, cautioned the public that hazardous surf would be experienced through mid-week, issuing a high surf advisory for Saipan and Tinian. A small craft advisory was also issued by the NWS. The high surf advisory previously issued for Rota is also still in effect.
At 7am yesterday, the center of Kulap was located near latitude 13.8 degrees north and longitude 147.1 degrees east, or about 130 miles east of Rota and 130 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian.
The storm is moving north at 7 mph and is expected to turn to the northeast over the next 12 hours from the time the advisory was issued and is expected to increase in forward speed.
“On this track, damaging winds will likely remain over eastern portions of Tinian and Saipan coastal waters,” EMO said.
Winds of 39 mph or more extend outward up to 105 miles from the center of the storm. Maximum sustained winds are 60 mph but EMO said the storm is expected to weaken slightly over the next 24 hours.
The public is urged to take caution as hazardous surf with heights of 8 to 10 feet can be expected along the northeastern clockwise through southeastern exposures.
Surf was also forecasted to become hazardous on western clockwise to northern exposures last night, with heights of 7 to 9 feet.
Fishermen, beachgoers, swimmers, surfers, and marine tour operators are urged to avoid venturing near reef lines and exposed beaches where dangerous rip currents and high surf will occur.
Meanwhile, EMO indicated that U.S. Army and civilian personnel would be conducting aerial and ground surveys on Saipan, Tinian, and Aguigan on Jan. 19 and 20 from 6am to 6pm.
For more information, contact the EMO Operation section at 322-9572 / 9529 / 8001-3, ext.23,24,31 VHF Marine Radio Channel 16, Single side band radio on 5.205.0 MHZ, or visit the website at www.cnmiemo.gov.mp/
