(CNMI HSEM) — Based on information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center-State Warning Point, a developing circulation is expected to move toward the southern Marianas Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night. Heavy showers, gusty winds, and choppy seas are also expected.
A low-level circulation (Invest 90w) is now centered near 9n143e and remains the subject of a tropical cyclone formation alert from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. This means the formation of a tropical cyclone is likely within the next 24 hours. This system is expected to move northwest before turning west-northwest near or south of the Marianas.
Increasingly gusty easterly winds will become southeasterly Wednesday night into Thursday with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph possible. Further increases in the wind fields could be possible if 90w were to track further north closer to the Marianas.
Periods of heavy rainfall with 4 to 8 inches of accumulation are possible through Friday. This could lead to an increased risk of mudslides across steeper terrain.
Seas of 5 to 8 feet will increase to 10 to 12 feet Wednesday night as stronger winds move into the area. Conditions will become hazardous to small craft late Wednesday evening.
Gov. David M. Apatang is advising residents of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to secure loose items and stay informed and alert to the latest information from the National Weather Service or their local officials.
The latest forecasts and statements will be available through local media sources and NOAA weather radio broadcast on 162.5 megahertz. You may also call CNMI EOC-State Warning Point at (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000. Those in the Northern Islands can contact CNMI EOC-State Warning Point at high frequency single side band radio on frequency 5.205.0.
