Storm conditions seen within 48 hours

The CNMI State Warning Point, in coordination with the National Weather Service and Guam Weather Forecast Office, continues to monitor what is now Typhoon Wutip.

Currently, a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. That means tropical storm conditions including damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible within the next 48 hours.

As of 1pm, the center of Typhoon Wutip was located near 6.5 degrees north latitude and 150.0 degrees east longitude, placing Wutip about 660 miles south-southeast of Saipan and 600 miles southeast of Guam. Wutip is moving west-northwest at 13 mph and is expected to make a slight turn toward the northwest with little change in forward speed over the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph and is forecast to intensify through Friday night. Typhoon force winds extend outward from the center up to 35 miles while tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 165 miles south of the center and 115 miles north.

The closest point of approach for the islands of Saipan and Tinian are expected to be late Sunday morning at 250 miles southwest and 200 miles southwest of Rota early Sunday morning. Predicted maximum sustained winds for Saipan and Tinian are 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, and 35 to 40 mph for Rota with gusts up to 45-50 mph.

It is important that residents remain in tune with local media to receive the latest updates on Typhoon Wutip.
 
Residents in tents

As of end of business day yesterday, the CNMI government has set up a hotline for those needing assistance with securing their tents. Residents may contact 664-9083 to be placed on the schedule. To increase efficiency of security, families living in tents are highly encouraged to disassemble their tents if they are capable of doing so to alleviate Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel and dispatched teams to assist those most in need of immediate aid.

It is also important to note that personnel assigned to secure tents are unable to move or remove personal property from the residents’ premises. It remains the responsibility of each household to secure their personal belongings prior to dismantle crews showing up onsite. Households with personal property still located in tents may be skipped to assist families who have cleared their areas. Please keep in mind, the CNMI installed an approximate total of 1,900 tents in the wake of Super Typhoon Yutu. The goal is to assist as many families as possible.

Public transportation and shelter information

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority is also available to provide transportation to residents who require assistance in relocating to the nearest shelter. Residents may contact the COTA Dispatch at 664-2690 or 285-2683. 

As of now, the Kagman Emergency Shelter Facility is open to accepting residents requiring immediate shelter. Several facilities remain on standby should the need to open more shelters arise.

Prepare to prepare

Now is the time to act. Residents should review their preparedness plans and be ready to implement them should a Warning be issued for the CNMI. Although the CNMI is not expecting much rain throughout Wutip, it is always advisable to clear drainage areas so as to better prepare in the event conditions unexpectedly change. Check your generators to ensure operability in case of power loss, and ensure your family has enough drinking water and non-potable water to flush toilets and for hygiene purposes. Gas your vehicles. 

Damaging winds are possible across the Marianas starting early Saturday morning. Secure any debris that may have been left by Super Typhoon Yutu. Check typhoon shutters to ensure they are in current working condition. 

Assist your neighbors if they are in need of assistance.
 
Storm surge and surf information

Combined seas of 9 to 11 feet will start building higher today, Friday, reaching 10 to 12 feet and then between 15 to 20 feet on Saturday and Saturday night. Inundation of 2 to 4 feet is possible by Saturday morning. 

Local heavy downpours may produce 3 to 6 inches of rain by Sunday afternoon.

Residents should remain cautious and avoid shorelines until conditions further improve. All interisland travel should be avoided until winds and seas have subsided.
 
Follow us on social media

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:
CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/
CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNMIGov/
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/
CNMI Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JICNMI/
HSEM also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI App available for FREE in the Apple Store or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications. (PR)