News Briefs – February 11, 2019

High risk of rip currents until Wednesday
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, a large trade-wind swell will continue to produce a high risk of rip currents along east facing reefs through the middle of next week. That means a high risk of rip currents on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota through Wednesday night. Along east facing reefs, breaking surf of 7 to 9 feet will maintain a high risk of rip currents through at least Wednesday night.

The public is being advised to avoid venturing near reefs and beaches, especially those facing east. Strong rip currents will be life threatening. If you become caught in a rip current. remain calm. swim parallel to shore, then back toward the beach when possible. heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs. (PR)

Quake hits Farallon Pajaros
At 2:24 pm on Feb. 10 2019, a report of a 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred 162 km west northwest of Farallon de Pajaros, Northern Marianas Islands. Currently, there were no reports of personnel injuries or damages to infrastructure and no tsunami warnings or advisories were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. For more information, contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000. (PR)

Military to conduct trainings
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy will conduct an open-ocean, live-fire gunnery exercise today, Feb. 11, from noon to 11:55pm.
The U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force will conduct training at Farallon de Medinilla during the following dates and times:

• 11:30am to 9:30pm, Feb. 11
• 7am to 9:30pm, Feb. 12-14
• 11:30am to 6:45pm, Feb. 15

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 will conduct training from 6-11:45pm Feb. 12 at the former Adm. Nimitz Golf Course in Barrigada.

The Air Force will also conduct training from 8am to 8pm on Feb. 13 at Warning Area 12 and Warning Area 517.

The open-ocean exercise will take place within a 10-nautical mile radius of the following coordinates: 13° 26”N/145° 08”E, 13° 42”N/144° 36”E.

It is recommended the public, commercial pilots, fishermen, and marine tour operators stay clear from this area during the date and time indicated.

The general location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be in a 12-nautical mile radius of the island. F

The public should be advised that routine helicopter training often accompanied with the use of blanks can occur during training at the former Adm. Nimitz Golf Course.

W-12 begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters. W-12 supports surface and aerial gunnery, missiles and laser exercises.

W-517 is activated south of latitude 12° 40’ 00”N. Santa Rosa Reef and Galvez Banks will be open for public use. W-517 begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters.

These types of trainings are designed to enhance the readiness of military personnel. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training. (PR)