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Tropical Storm Chan-hom being monitored
A circulation being monitored in the Western Pacific developed into a tropical storm yesterday and was given the name Chan-Hom.
According to the bulletin released by the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 7pm yesterday, the storm’s center was located at 720 miles east-southeast of Saipan.
Chan-hom was moving westward at 12 miles per hour and is expected to continue westward through today while increasing forward speed.
Maximum sustained winds were at 45 miles per hour but the storm is expected to slowly intensify over the next several days.
As of press time, no watches and warnings were in effect for the Marianas.
According to the HSEM, they will be monitoring the storm and will be issuing bulletins as they become available.
Rain on the parade?
While it is too early to be fully certain of the storm’s path, yesterday’s 7pm forecast track of the National Weather Service in Guam forecasts Chan-Hom to be nearest Guam-CNMI area on Saturday in time for Liberation Day.
As of late Wednesday, the parade will still continue as scheduled, according to special assistant to the Saipan Mayor’s Office Henry Hofschneider.
However, he added that the 2015 Liberation Day committee along with the Skywalker Communications Group will be meeting with the HSEM today to discuss and decide if the celebration should be postponed.
Early preparations
As early as now, the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross already urges CNMI residents to prepare for the latest storm.
“Storms can cause significant amounts of damage to life and property,” their statement said.
“As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death,” it added.
Red Cross recommended the public to prepare by staying informed of the latest storm updates, making a home disaster plan, creating an emergency preparedness kit, and preparing for high winds.
“Keep enough disaster supplies in your home to meet your family needs for at least three days. Disaster supplies should include drinking water, food, flashlight, first aid kit, medications, battery operated radio, tools, clothing, personal items, sanitary supplies, money, and contact information,” it added. (with reports from Jayson Camacho)
