A tropical storm warning was in effect for Tinian, Saipan and Agrihan, but the tropical storm watch was cancelled for Rota.
A public school administrator, who declined to be identified, said they will cancel classes once the island is under typhoon condition 2 or when destructive winds are anticipated within 24 hours.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more are occurring or expected to occur within 24 hours.
A tropical storm warning in conjunction with a typhoon watch means tropical storm-force winds are expected and typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 24 hours.
At 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Choi-Wan was centered near latitude 15.7 degrees north and longitude 149.6 degrees east.
This is about 265 miles east of Tinian and Saipan, 300 miles east-southeast of Pagan, 315 miles east-northeast of Rota and 335 miles southeast of Agrihan.
Choi-Wan was moving west-northwest at 9 mph.
Maximum sustained winds were 55 mph while tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 100 miles from the center in the southeast semi-circle and 60 miles from the center in the northwest semi-circle.
Choi-Wan was expected to continue intensifying over the next 24 hours and the threat for sustained high winds was likely to increase.
Tropical storm force winds were forecast to begin affecting the area late Monday morning.
Wind directions was expected to start from the northeast yesterday, turn to the northwest Monday then turn south by Tuesday evening.
Small craft must stay in port. Fill cars with gas. Purchase any items used for your typhoon/disaster kits. These may include batteries non-perishable food, water and anything else you feel might be in short supply during an emergency. Bring in or tie down loose objects outdoors.
