TYPHOON Chataan was expected to make its closest approach to Rota and Guam by noon today, bringing strong winds, heavy rainshowers and large ocean swells, according to the CNMI Emergency Management Office and the National Weather Service on Guam.
Chataan is the first major typhoon to hit the Marianas this year.
Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente, in an interview, said evacuation centers on Saipan, Tinian and Rota had been activated. He declared typhoon condition no. 2 at 2:30 p.m. yesterday.
EMO and NWS said Chataan’s closest approach would be within 6 miles north of Rota and 82 miles south of Saipan.
“But the forecast changes as the typhoon moves. However, EMO advises residents to be cautious and prepared,” said Joe Sablan of EMO’s Response and Recovery Unit.
On Rota, Chataan could bring in typhoon force winds of 85 miles per hour with higher gusts during its closest point of approach today.
Saipan and Tinian were expected to be hit by tropical storm force winds of 39 mph to 73 mph.
Benavente said only government officials and employees with “essential” posts would be required to report to work today.
The typhoon was located at approximately 230 miles southeast of Rota and Guam and 320 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian by yesterday afternoon.
It was traveling north-northwest at 14 mph.
Tropical storm Chataan was upgraded to typhoon as of 4 a.m. Thursday.
Evacuation centers
There are nine evacuation centers on Saipan to serve as temporary shelters for families that may be affected by the typhoon: Tanapag Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, Oleai Elementary School, Marianas High School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, Koblerville Elementary School and San Vicente Elementary School.
The CNMI Convention Center on Capitol Hill and the Kagman Community Center are also designated as temporary shelters.
On Guam, the 12 storm shelters include Merizo Elementary School, George Washington High School and Astumbo Elementary School. (See story on page 12)
People throughout Guam were taking down campaign signs and securing homes yesterday.
Meanwhile, Guam Memorial Hospital put out a call to expectant mothers in their last or seven month of pregnancy to take shelter at the hospital. Individuals are requested to bring minimum bedding materials.
Continental Micronesia announced the cancellation or delay of all Guam flights scheduled to depart the island this morning.
The airline anticipates that Flight 002 to Honolulu, originally scheduled to depart at 6 a.m. today, will depart Guam on 8 p.m.
Customers on this flight are recommended to check in at the Guam airport no later than 6 p.m.
Due to the unpredictable nature of typhoons, this plan is subject to revision as the airline continues to monitor the movements of typhoon Chataan, the airline said in a statement.
Continental customers were urged to stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for announcements on possible flight changes.
All ferry trips between Saipan, Tinian and Managaha had been suspended since yesterday afternoon.
Before proceeding to the Marianas, Chataan caused the deaths of at least 20 people on Chuuk.
Chuuk Gov. Dr. Ansito Walter declared the island under a state of emergency on Wednesday.
