PUBLIC NOTICES – May 22, 2023

United flights will operate as scheduled today

United Airlines flights will operate as scheduled today, May 22, 2023, and the United City Ticket Office will be open from 9am to 5pm. United customers who are scheduled to depart on May 23 and May 24 are encouraged to check united.com or the United app for the most current flight information as a result of Tropical Storm Mawar. (PR)

Flood watch in effect

A flood watch is in effect from Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible in the Marianas from Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.*

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.

Tropical Storm Mawar continues to approach the Marianas. As the storm gets closer, showers are expected to increase significantly. Latest model guidance shows rainfall potential in excess of 15 inches, with locally heavier amounts possible. This would result in extensive flooding across the islands.

Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. If living near streams and rivers, prepare to move items away from stream and river banks. Make sure storm drains nearby are not clogged, especially in low-lying areas. (PR)

High surf and rip current warning

A high surf advisory is in effect from 3pm Monday to 3pm Thursday. The public is also being warned that there is a high risk of rip currents from Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.*

Large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet are building as Tropical Storm Mawar approaches the region. Dangerous rip currents are expected on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

These factors will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

This is the beginning of very dangerous surf conditions as Mawar approaches the Marianas. The public is advised to stay out of the water. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. (PR)

Public warned vs sailing in small vessels

A small craft advisory in effect from 3pm Monday to 3pm Thursday.*

East winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts of up to 35 knots, will be increasing to 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots Tuesday morning. Seas of 8 to 11 feet will be building to 9 to 14 feet Tuesday morning.

A typhoon watch is in effect from 1pm Monday. Typhoon conditions, including winds of 64 knots or more, are possible within the next 48 hours.

For the small craft advisory, conditions will be hazardous to small craft. It is in effect from 3pm Monday to 3pm Thursday.

Latest model guidance shows tropical storm force winds of 34 to 63 knots as early as Tuesday morning. Tropical Storm Mawar continues to strengthen and slowly track toward the Marianas. Conditions will start to deteriorate Monday afternoon. This will result in conditions becoming hazardous for small craft Monday afternoon. Typhoon force winds are possible, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, are advised to avoid boating in these hazardous conditions. (PR)

MCS will have classes today

Based on the official announcement that the CNMI remains at Typhoon Condition III from the Office of the Governor at 5pm, on Sunday, May 21, 2023, Mount Carmel School has determined it will continue with classes today, May 22, 2023. However, as it states in the school’s handbook, “If the governor declares “Condition 2” for a typhoon/tropical storm, all classes will be canceled. If “Condition 2” is announced while school is in session, the following procedures shall be observed:

1. Students shall be dismissed as soon as their transportation arrives.

2. Students should help the teacher move everything away from the windows and into the middle of the room.

3. Books and other instructional materials must be secured in the classrooms or be put into the lockers neatly.

4. Students will return to school when the President of the school announces it.
Official information from Mount Carmel School will be made available through the following mediums.

* Data based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point.