Storm watch hoisted anew

Residents of the Northern Mariana Islands, still reeling from the vicious pummeling by Supertyphoon Chaba, wearily got to their feet yesterday to brace for another approaching storm.

Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente placed the Northern Marianas under tropical storm condition III yesterday, which means that storm conditions, with winds of at least 39 mph, could hit the islands within two days.

The National Weather Service said storm conditions might be felt beginning tonight. A tropical storm watch is now in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan, according to the agency.

The NWS also issued a flood watch, warning the public of heavy rainfall that could exceed six inches.

As of 1pm yesterday, the center of tropical storm 21W was located about 285 miles east-southeast of Saipan, 295 miles east-southeast of Tinian, and 315 miles east of Rota. The storm, which was moving westerly at 8mph, had 40mph winds. It is expected to further intensify.

Earlier yesterday, the CNMI Emergency Management Office said the storm was stationary at one point and was expected to swirl westward at a slow pace, which could allow it to further intensify before possibly making landfall on the islands.

By 4pm, the storm retained its strength but had slowed down slightly, moving westerly at 7mph. The weather service located the storm at this time at about 280 miles east-southeast of Saipan, 285 miles east-southeast of Tinian, and 310 miles east of Rota.

Satellite and weather radar imagery showed widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms over the Marianas region. The NWS said that the rain is associated with the approaching tropical storm. The weather service said these widespread showers and thunderstorms will persist through late afternoon, with hourly rainfall rates up to one inch to be expected.

The threat of the storm prompted Gov. Juan N. Babauta to immediately return to Saipan last night from an off-island trip. Benavante warned residents of the possibility of damaging winds and heavy rains associated with the storm.

“Residents should secure or dispose of loose debris, including tin sheets, plywood, and branches. Residents in low-lying areas should prepare for possible flooding,” he said through an EMO advisory.

The weather service said heavy rainfall exceeding six inches might be felt on the islands tonight until tomorrow. Hazardous surf of 8-11 feet may result from the storm. The surf may escalate to 15-18 feet.

A tropical depression becomes a storm when wind strength reaches 39-74mph. A storm elevates into a typhoon when wind strength reaches at least 75mph. Once wind strength intensifies to at least 150mph, the weather disturbance becomes a supertyphoon

Those who need to evacuate their homes may contact the Emergency Operations Center for help at 322-8621 or 322-8626. The EMO also advised residents to prepare their emergency kits.