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Strong winds, rough seas in the NI today
The public is being advised that strong winds and hazardous seas are developing today for the far Northern Islands, particularly on Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, an expansive monsoon trough stretches eastward remain consistent that a circulation will develop along this trough north of 20N before lifting north.
Strong southwest winds will develop across the northern islands of the CNMI today as they feed into the trough and circulation north of 20N. Near-gale to gale force winds and hazardous seas/surf are possible late Friday into the weekend. Conditions should gradually improve Monday and Tuesday.
Strong southwest winds will develop today and tonight, with 15- to 25-knot winds building to near-gale force 25 to 30 knots Saturday. Winds may gust to between 40 and 45 knots during the weekend, especially in and around heavy bands of showers. Strongest winds will be found farther north. Winds look to subside below 20 knots late Monday or Tuesday.
Seas are expected to build to between 8 and 10 feet today and likely between 10 and 14 feet this weekend from a west to southwest direction. Hazardous surf is likely along west facing reefs and could reach dangerous levels of 15 feet.
Five to 10 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts is expected through Sunday. Interisland travel is discouraged the next few days.
Residents of Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan are being advised to monitor the situation closely and maintain necessary precautionary measures for possible gusty winds and heavy rain and to also stay informed on the latest statements or advisories, which will be available through local media sources and NOAA weather radio broadcast on 162.5 megahertz, or call the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000 or 664-8000, and for the Northern Islands to contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at high frequency single side band radio on frequency 5.205.0. (PR)
