CNMI hunkers down for Vongfong

Private establishments and houses boarded up windows and garage doors and closed typhoon shutters, emergency shelters were activated, and government operations and public school classes were suspended as the CNMI braces for Typhoon Vongfong, which is intensifying and will be passing south of the CNMI early this morning, Monday.

The public hospital directed all women who are in the third trimester of their pregnancies (six months and further) to report to the Commonwealth Health Center in the event of sudden drops in barometric pressure.

“This is a storm all of us should keep aware of and not take lightly. I am urging all of you to please take all appropriate measures to protect life and property until the storm makes its departure from our area,” said Ivan A. Blanco, acting special assistant for communications and protocol, yesterday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Landon Aydett told Saipan Tribune last night that Typhoon Vongfong’s closest approach to the CNMI would be at 2am Monday at 18 miles north of Rota, 40 miles south of Tinian, and 60 miles south of Saipan.

As of 9pm yesterday, Vongfong’s center was 125 miles east-southeast of Rota, 135 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian, and 160 miles east of Guam.

The U.S. National Weather Service in Guam said that Vongfong was moving west-northwest at 21 mph. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour (168 kilometers per hour).

Typhoon force winds extend upward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 130 miles from the center.

As of 6pm yesterday, Saipan, Tinian and Rota were under Typhoon Condition 1.

Blanco said residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota should expect strong winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding for all low-lying areas.

Blanco said that government operations, with the exception of critical personnel, are suspended pending an issuance of an all-clear declaration.

He said all classes for the Public School System and Northern Marianas College are suspended today, Monday.

Shelters

Emergency shelters for families who need to seek safer areas were opened yesterday at 2pm.

For Saipan, the shelters are Tanapag School, Garapan Elementary School, Kagman High School, Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Dandan Middle School, and Koblerville Elementary.

For Tinian, the shelters are Tinian Elementary School and Tinian Jr. and Sr. High Schools.

For Rota, the shelters are the Aging Center and Dr. Rita Hocog-Inos Jr. and High Schools.

All vessel owners were advised to properly moor their boats or take them out of the water during the duration of the storm.

For those who need transportation, PSS has special service vehicles that can be used to help transport those who need the service.

According to NWS, as Vongfong continues to approach the Marianas, heavy rainfall is expected to begin up to six hours prior to arrival of its eye.

Flash flood watch was in effect from 10pm Sunday through late Monday night for Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

Flights cancelled

All United Airlines flights scheduled to depart from and arrive at Guam International Airport today, Oct. 6, 2014, have been cancelled.

Cape Air has also cancelled all flights scheduled to depart from Guam, Saipan, and Rota today, Oct. 6. Normal operations are anticipated to resume on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

“As a precautionary safety measure to our customers and employees, the Saipan and Rota Airport ticket counters will be closed during the typhoon on Oct. 6 and will reopen when it is safe for all concerned,” the airline said in a statement.

United Express customers ticketed on flights may reschedule their itineraries in advance of the storm with a one-time date or time change, and the airline will waive the change fees.

Customers can find complete details, eligible travel dates and updates at United.com.