BREAKING NEWS: Hagibis upgraded to typhoon

As of 4am this morning, Tropical Storm Hagibis has been upgraded to Typhoon Hagibis. Typhoon Condition 2 remains over Saipan, Tinian, Alamagan, and Pagan. This means that damaging winds of 74 miles per hour or more winds are expected to hit tonight.
Tropical Storm Condition 2 remains over Rota and Agrihan, while Guam is under Tropical Storm watch.
At 4am this morning, Typhoon Hagibis was located about 360 miles east of Saipan, 365 miles east of Tinian, 400 miles east of Rota, 415 miles east-southeast of Pagan, 435 east-northeast of Guam, and about 445 miles southeast of Agrihan and is moving west-northwest at 16mph. Maximum sustained winds are at 75mph.

2 private schools half-day today
While all schools under the Public School System have shut down classes after the announcement of Tropical Storm Hagibis, some private schools followed this initiative. As of press time Mount Carmel School, Green Meadow School, Grace Christian Academy, and Golden Harvest International School have cancelled classes today. Saipan International School and Saipan Community School will be holding classes today until 11:30 am and 11am, respectively.

Businesses closed, half-day
With the announcement of all government offices closed until further notice, private businesses have also followed suit or observed half-day hours today. IT&E announced that all of its offices on Saipan and Tinian will be closed today, while Bank of Hawaii will be opening its Gualo Rai branch until 1pm today.

Flash flood warning
As of 11pm yesterday, the U.S. National Weather Service in Guam announced a flash flood effect on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. This means that heavy rain and flooding is expected for the three islands and the northern islands across the CNMI from this afternoon through tomorrow morning as Typhoon Hagibis is passing just north of Saipan. Locally, heavy downpours can cause flash flooding near streams and in low-lying areas, residents are advised to drive and tread carefully when flooding occurs.

Shelters remain active
Koblerville Elementary School, Kagman High School, Marianas High School, and Tinian High School shelters have been activated as of 2pm yesterday. The Governor’s Office also deemed the Aging Center as a shelter. However, it is only used for medical needs. As of 6am this morning, the Office of U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan has reported that 15 occupants are situated in shelters.