Tropical Storm Condition 3 raised in CNMI

Acting governor David M. Apatang at 2pm yesterday declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota after Invest 95W was upgraded to Tropical Depression 14W.

Apatang raised Tropical Storm Condition III after consultating with the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service’s Weather Forecast Office in Tiyan, Guam.

Tropical Storm Condition III means that tropical-storm-force winds of at least 39mph are expected within 24 hours. A tropical storm warning means that a tropical storm force winds of at least 39mph are expected within 24 hours.

Tropical Depression 14W is moving west at 9mph. It is expected to make a turn toward the northwest with a slight increase in forward speed through Wednesday.

This current forecast track sends Tropical Depression 14W over or near Guam early Wednesday morning. With maximum sustained winds of 30mph, Tropical Depression 14W is forecast to intensify through Tuesday night and is expected to become a tropical storm overnight. Once to the northwest of Guam, it is expected to continue intensifying over the Philippine Sea.

With the coming of Tropical Depression 14W, Apatang advised the community yesterday to keep a close watch on official updates relating to weather forecasts and stay informed on the latest statements and advisories which will be available through official channels.

In yesterday morning’s update, Homeland Security Emergency and Management spokesperson Bernard Villagomez provided a weather update on the then tropical disturbance. He said Invest 95W was expected to pass through the Marianas region near Guam as a tropical depression on Tuesday afternoon or evening. During that time HSEM said there were no tropical storm and typhoon warnings issued yet for the CNMI.

Villagomez said that the CNMI is likely to experience stronger winds and increased rainfall of up to 48 inches as the system passes.

The HSEM recommended that the community take standard preparedness precautions. There was a wind advisory in effect from 6am to 6pm today and a flood watch that’s in effect through late Thursday night. A high surf advisory is in effect until 6am on Friday.

The weather update is an evolving situation about the direction, speed, intensification rate, and other attributes of the storm that may change over the next few hours. The CNMI Office of the Governor and CNMI HSEM said they will continuously monitor the movement of the storm and will continue to consult with the National Weather Service and other agencies.

Meanwhile, the CNMI Public School System announced that after the 2pm declaration of the Office of the Governor that schools will remain open today.

“This is to inform you that we are aware of the anticipated weather forecasts. As of 2m today, acting governor David M. Apatang declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Rest assured, we are in close communication with the appropriate government agencies and we are on standby for any new updates,” it said in a statement.

As of last night, PSS said classes remain in operation today, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

“Schools are aware of implementing their inclement weather Standard Operating Procedures, which limits outdoor activities for students. We will provide more updates as soon as they become available.”

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, follow PSS’ official social media pages below.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cnmipss

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cnmipss/

District website: https://www.cnmipss.org.