Tropical Storm Condition 3

The National Weather Service, Guam Weather Forecast Office has issued a tropical storm watch for the islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

That means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 12 to 24 hours including damaging winds of 39 mph.

As of 7am, Tropical Depression 28W was located 14.1 degrees north latitude and 144.8 degrees east longitude, placing Tropical Depression 28W about 25 miles west of Rota, 45 miles north of Guam, 80 miles southwest of Tinian and 95 miles southwest of Saipan. 28W is moving northwest at 9 mph and is expected to make a slight turn toward the west-northwest with an increase in forward speed over the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are 30 mph. 28W is forecast to intensify over the next few days, possibly becoming a tropical storm later this evening.

Because of the anticipated threat by Tropical Depression 28W, Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres is placing the islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan on Tropical Storm Condition 3.

Now is a good time to take action

As we expect more inclement weather to intensify, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management encourages the people of the CNMI to take the following precautionary measures at this time:

• Secure loose debris outside of your homes.
• Drive safely while operating vehicles on public roads.
• Secure outdoor pets in a safe location either indoors or inside the garage.
• Keep your phones charged in the case a power outage may occur.
• Stay up to date in the event there are changes or updates.

Flash flood advisory

In addition to the tropical storm watch, a current flood watch advisory is in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan, and is expected to be in effect through late Saturday night. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

If the circulation makes a slight shift to the east, it could bring rainfall amounts in excess of 20 inches to the islands. Numerous to frequent showers will be mostly runoff with locally higher amounts possible. Poor drainage areas could see closed roads and even water in some houses. Avoid mountainous areas where flooding could be even more rapid.

Because of dangers posed by flash flooding, HSEM is encouraging residents of the CNMI to practice the following precautionary measures:

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
• Turn around. Don’t drown. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Avoid wading in floodwater as it may contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Clear any debris around drainage areas leftover from Typhoon Mangkhut.
• Continue to practice caution on the roadways as heavy rain is still expected to occur throughout the Marianas.
• Listen to authorities for information and instructions.

Small craft advisory

A small craft advisory is also in effect for the islands of Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, and is expected to remain in effect until 6am, Sunday.

A small craft advisory means wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft.

South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots over the eastern waters of Rota will gradually spread westward. Combined seas of 6 to 9 feet will occasionally reach 10 feet across Marianas waters.

Because of the hazardous sea conditions, HSEM is advising the public, especially inexperienced mariners and those operating smaller vessels, to avoid sailing. Secure your small craft vessels, and remain out of the water until conditions have been deemed safe by officials.

Follow us on social media

HSEM urges the community to follow the following social media platforms to get the latest weather updates and information:

• CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/
• CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNMIGov/
• Governor Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/
• CNMI Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JICNMI/
• NWS website: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
• NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/

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.

For more weather information, contact the CNMI State Warning Point at 237-8000. (HSEM)