By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
JUST over two months since Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Marianas, Gov. David M. Apatang and other officials on Thursday were briefed by the National Weather Service on another approaching tropical storm.
At the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management/Emergency Operations Center on Capital Hill, the governor, department heads, and other government officials listened to Landon Aydlett of the National Weather Service, who provided the latest update on the storm.
Also attending online were Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter.
It was the second day CNMI officials were briefed on the approaching storm.
The governor said there will be another briefing today, Friday, July 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the EOC.
He said officials discussed preparations for what is expected to come. He added he is confident the Joint Information Center will continue releasing updated information.
The governor said people across the islands have already begun preparing for possible impacts. Based on current projections, he said, the storm is likely to affect the entire Marianas, including Guam.
According to CNMI HSEM on Wednesday, Tropical Storm 09W was expected to continue strengthening and become better organized as it moves toward the Marianas.
Maximum sustained winds had increased to 45 mph, and the system was likely to pass between Guam and Anatahan as a well-developed typhoon.
Significant impacts to infrastructure remain a distinct possibility, but uncertainty remains regarding the exact track of the system — how close the center will pass to Guam, Rota, Tinian, or Saipan — and the timing and duration of the strongest conditions.
Residents were urged to continue preparing for a potentially major weather event, check on elderly and disabled individuals who may need assistance, and ensure they have multiple ways to receive updated storm information from authorities.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
