Govt, classes closed today

Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have been placed on Tropical Storm Condition II yesterday as Tropical Storm Kummuri continues to track south of Guam. This means tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 miles per hour or more, are expected from tonight through Wednesday afternoon.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres declared Tropical Storm Condition II on the three islands yesterday at 4pm and announced that all government offices will be closed through this morning. Offices will reopen after the all-clear signal has been given.

The Public School System suspended classes and closed its offices as of 12:30pm. The Northern Marianas College also cancelled its evening classes after 4pm.

PSS shelters and that of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs were activated at 4pm, with the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority also activated to provide transportation to the shelters throughout the day.

As of 7pm last night, Kummuri had been upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm and was seen moving west-northwest at 23 mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 40 mph.

Kammuri is expected to maintain this heading with a slight decrease in forward speed through tonight before turning into open waters of the Philippine Sea tomorrow, Thursday.

Based on information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, Kammuri is forecast to intensify the next few days. The current forecast track takes it just south of the Marianas, then afterward it will stay well west of the Marianas and well north of Yap.

As Kummuri passes, heavy rainfall amounting of 4 to 5 inches is possible through Wednesday.

Shelters activated
Call (670) 237-8000 for transportation to the shelters. The following are the open shelters:

Saipan
• Kagman High School
• Koblerville Elementary School
• Marianas High School
• Aging Center (for medical needs only)

Tinian
• Tinian Elementary School

Rota
• Rita Hocog Inos Jr.-Sr. High School

DFEMS available
The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has been activated to help residents who need help to break down their temporary tents if needed to prepare for the storm. Residents who need assistance in breaking down their tents can call (670) 237-8000.

USCG sets PHWC ‘Y’ for Guam, CNMI

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam has established Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee for the ports of Guam and the CNMI as of 11:30am yesterday. PHWC “Y” is set when winds above 39 mph are expected within 24 hours.

Special marine advisory

A high surf warning is in effect from 6pm last night to 6am Thursday, and a high surf advisory will be in effect from 6am Thursday to 6pm Tuesday next week. This means life-threatening rip currents will persist through early next week.

Hazardous surf is expected to build to dangerous heights of 15 to 20 feet yesterday evening and through most of today, Wednesday. Once surf diminishes to below 15 feet tonight, surf is expected to remain hazardous at 9 feet or higher and the rest of the week into early next week.

The public is advised to avoid venturing out along north and east facing reefs and beaches as large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents will be life threatening.