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EMO issues alert vs flooding, low visibility
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Posted on Jul 09 2008
The CNMI Emergency Management Office is alerting all motorists in the Commonwealth to be extra careful when on the road due to heavy rainfall that is expected to cause low visibilities and flooding in low-lying areas.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated river or stream flows, ponding of water in urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage areas and low lying spots.
In hilly terrain, there are hundreds of low water crossings that are potentially dangerous in heavy rain and these include San Antonio, Chalan Kanoa, Susupe, Garapan, Koblerville, Tanapag, San Rogue and in front of Saipan Ice in Lower Base, EMO said.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the EMO, weather observations indicated that 0.56 inches of rain had already fallen as of 11:27am yesterday.
“Weather satellite and radar shows substantial additional rainfall approaching, and if total rainfall is enough to temporarily overwhelm drainage systems, the problems will likely persist for several hours after the rain stops,” said EMO.
The agency is strongly advising residents and motorists to take extra precautionary measures in low-lying areas and while driving on public highways for ponds of water and sometimes low visibilities. [B][I](Saipan Tribune)[/I][/B]
