Bolaven expected to pass thru Marianas on Tuesday

Tropical Storm Bolaven, which is expected to intensify into a typhoon today, is predicted to pass through the Marianas on Tuesday.

Based on forecasts from the National Weather Service in Guam, Bolaven is expected to pass through the Marianas on Tuesday afternoon or early Tuesday evening.

As of 5pm press time, NWS sees Bolaven passing through the Marianas just south of Guam and north of Rota.

At around 6pm yesterday, the center of Tropical Storm Bolaven was located about 585 miles southeast of Saipan and about 580 miles east-southeast of Guam. It was last seen moving west-northwest at 5 miles per hour and is expected to maintain this general course with a slight increase in forward speed through this afternoon.

As of 6pm, Bolaven’s maximum sustained winds remain at 40 mph but is forecasted to intensify through today before becoming a typhoon.

The difference between a tropical storm and a typhoon lies in the system’s wind speed; a system is considered a tropical storm when winds reach 39 mph and it graduates to a typhoon when it reaches around 74 mph.

Currently, Bolaven’s tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 140 miles to the north and up to 85 miles to the south.

Because of Bolaven’s anticipated threat, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has hoisted a Typhoon Watch for the CNMI.

Palacios also maintained Typhoon Condition 3 for the CNMI, which means that damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible Tuesday morning and typhoon force winds of 74 mph or greater are possible Tuesday afternoon or evening.

Because Bolaven is only expected to intensify as it makes its way to the Marianas, meetings will be had today to determine whether government offices and public schools will be shut down to convert them into shelters.

As for the rest of the community, Palacios is urging everyone to prepare for the storm as it slowly approaches.

In preparation for anticipated tropical storm and typhoon-strength winds, Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, and CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management advise CNMI residents to take the following preparatory measures:

Put gas in vehicles and obtain fuel for generators.

Secure loose debris and belongings.

Those living in flood-prone areas should clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding.

Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents, and keep copies in a weather-proof bag.

Prepare to board up windows or close shutters.

Have a prepared emergency preparedness kit with first-aid kits, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, and a portable stove in your household.

Stock up on food and water, as appropriate, for your household.

“Again, this is an evolving situation—the direction, speed, intensification rate, and other attributes of the storm may change over the next few hours. The CNMI Office of the Governor and CNMI HSEM will be monitoring the movement of the intensifying storm, continue to consult with the National Weather Service and other agencies, and continue to provide updates when available and when appropriate. Information regarding shelter activations, government office closures, and other important updates will also be announced,” stated Palacios.