ACTING Gov. David M. Apatang, in consultation with CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan, Tinian and Rota on Tuesday.
It means that tropical storm force winds of at least 39 miles per hour were expected within 24 hours.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, HSEM Public Information Officer Bernard Villagomez said Invest 95W, a developing tropical disturbance, was expected to pass sometime in the afternoon through the region near or over Guam as a tropical depression.
However, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, the acting governor issued a Tropical Storm Condition III declaration for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, saying that Tropical Depression 14W was moving west at 9 mph, and was expected to make a turn toward the northwest with a slight increase in forward speed through today, Wednesday. This current forecast track would send 14W over or near Guam early this morning, the declaration stated. Maximum sustained winds were 30 mph. 14W was forecast to intensify through Tuesday night and was expected to become a tropical storm overnight. It was also expected to continue intensifying over the Philippine Sea.
Villagomez said the CNMI will likely see stronger winds with the passage of the storm system. He added that a flood watch and a wind advisory will be in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday. A high surf advisory is in effect as well until 6 a.m. Friday. In addition, a small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Friday.
The CNMI Office of the Governor, in a media statement, advises the community 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 (listed below) and media partners.”
“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 storm, continue to consult with the National Weather Service and other agencies, and continue to provide updates when available and when appropriate.”
For additional information, visit the following:
• CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/
• CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cnmigovernor
• NWS website
https://www.weather.gov/gum
• NWS Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center website
https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
