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Minor flooding in some parts of Saipan
Motorists cautioned about strong winds
Rain, strong winds, and big waves brought by a monsoonal low pressure area fails to stop this tourist and his daughter from sightseeing at the Garapan Fishing Base yesterday afternoon. Some areas on Saipan experienced minor flooding in the past two days. (Ferdie de la Torre)
Some areas on Saipan experienced minor flooding yesterday as the monsoonal low pressure system east of the Marianas drifted northeast of Pagan.
Press secretary Ivan Blanco said they monitored flooding in some areas on the island, but not to the point where people have to evacuate their homes.
“We’re monitoring, but there’s no evacuation call right now,” Blanco said.
He said flooding was experienced in some areas in Kannat Tabla, Chinatown, Capital Hill, Chalan Kanoa, Susupe, San Jose, and Garapan.
Blanco said if it keeps raining, evacuation centers may likely be activated.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres advised CNMI residents to stay informed on the latest statements and advisories about the low pressure system from the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service, as of 10am yesterday, the center of the monsoonal low pressure system was 160 miles east-northeast of Pagan and 310 miles north-northeast of Saipan.
Monsoonal west to southwest winds and periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms were expected across the Marianas Thursday night.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast for today, Friday, through the weekend and possibly well into next week.
NWS said winds have increased—up to 25 to 30 miles per hour over Tinian and Saipan and 15 to 25mph over Guam and Rota.
NMS said a small craft advisory is now in effect for the Marianas coastal waters as winds and seas are hazardous and seas have increased to around 10 feet near Saipan and Tinian.
NWS said because earlier rainfall has saturated the soil in some locations, brief flooding is possible especially in poor drainage areas.
Surf may become hazardous along west facing reefs today, Friday.
NWS advised motorists to use extra caution when driving and bring or keep light outdoor objects inside.
NWS said winds this strong can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles.
