BREAKING NEWS: Cimaron’s closest approach is this evening

Typhoon Cimaron’s closest point of approach for the islands of Saipan and Tinian have been extended to this evening; however, the National Weather Service expects the worst weather conditions to occur at 4am to 6am tomorrow morning.

Because of the continued anticipated threat from Typhoon Cimaron, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has maintained Tropical Storm Condition I for the islands of Saipan and Tinian, and Typhoon Condition I for the islands of Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan.

Tropical Storm Condition I means Saipan and Tinian can expect damaging winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour within the next six to 12 hours.

Typhoon Condition I means Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan can expect destructive winds of 74 mph or more within the next 24 hours.

Weather outlook

As of 7pm, the center of Typhoon Cimaron was located 235 miles north-northeast of Saipan; 250 miles north-northeast of Tinian; 100 miles east-northeast of Alamagan; 100 miles east of Pagan; 115 miles east-southeast of Agrihan.

Typhoon Cimaron is moving toward the northwest at 14 mph, and is expected to continue on this track with little change in forward speed over the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds remain at 75 mph, and 90 mph around the center. Typhoon Cimaron is forecasted to intensify through Tuesday.

Multi-agency updates:

There has been one report of an outage in the village of Papago, but power has been since then restored. No other outages have been reported as of press time.

The following Public School System Saipan campuses have opened for shelter: Kagman High, Koblerville Elementary & Tanapag Middle School; Tinian: Tinian Elementary School.

Currently, there are two shelterees in Kagman High; six at Koberville Elementary; 10 at Tanapag Middle School; none at Tinian Elementary School.

The Public School System, Northern Marianas College and Mt. Carmel School have cancelled all classes for Monday.

Government operations have been shut down until the “all clear” has been issued by the Office of the Governor.

The Saipan International Airport remains open with all flights expected to resume as scheduled. However, the commuter airport has ceased operations as of 2pm this afternoon.

The U. S. Coast Guard is on “yankee status” meaning, all seaport operations have been suspended until further notice.

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has currently suspended regular routes until further notice as the agency is on standby to support residents who need transportation from their homes to open shelters. Should residents require transportation assistance, call the State Warning Point at (670) 237-8000.

The Mayor’s Office and Department of Public Works are working around the clock to ensure roadways are free of debris. Report any impassable roads to the Department of Public Works Agency Operating Center at (670) 322-9498.

Additional advisories

A flash flood watch is in effect for the islands of Saipan, Tinian, Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan and is expected to last into this evening. Precipitation forecasts have increased to 7-9 inches of rain. Due to Typhoon Cimaron’s slow motion, there is potential for excessive rainfall and flash flooding. Rainfall of 4-5 inches have already been recorded.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Clear any debris around drainage areas, and continue to practice caution on the roadways as heavy rain is still expected to occur throughout the Marianas.

A small craft advisory is also in effect until Tuesday evening. This means, wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small crafts. Seas are expected to be at 7 to 11 feet.

Although typhoon force winds are not expected on the islands of Saipan and Tinian, treacherous ocean conditions and rip currents are expected to occur at western-facing reefs in the Saipan seaport and Tinian Taga Beach areas.

Stay informed: 

HSEM in coordination with the National Weather Office will continue to monitor the system and provide significant updates to the community.

HSEM also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI App available for free in the Apple iStore or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications. (PR)

MD: Cimaron’s closest approach is this evening

KW: Typhoon Cimaron