(HSEM) – This hydrologic outlook is for Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
A tropical disturbance developing in central Micronesia is expected to move toward the Marianas by Wednesday, bringing potentially heavy downpours to the area in the second half of the week.
After the system exits the west, feeder bands along the leeside of the system may bring an extended period of rainfall for the rest of the week.
Moderate uncertainty remains regarding potential rainfall impacts, but early estimates indicate this system to bring locally heavy rainfall of 5 to 8 inches across the Marianas by the weekend. This feature will be monitored closely over the next several days by various agencies, so expected rainfall totals may change.
Even so, flash flooding remains a possibility Wednesday through Saturday.
Uncertainty regarding mudslide risk during the weekend remains high. If feeder bands form, showers are likely to persist into the weekend, which would become more likely to saturate the soils enough to increase mudslide risk.
Residents on these islands need to closely monitor this developing situation as flood watches, advisories, and flash flood warnings could be issued later.
If living near streams and rivers, prepare to move items away from stream and river banks. make sure storm drains nearby are not clogged, especially if living at low-lying areas.
Therefore, Governor David M. Apatang is advising the general public that localized flooding will be possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas. ensure nearby storm drains are not clogged, especially for low- lying or flood-prone areas.
