Wutip spares the Marianas

Super Typhoon Wutip, which passed just south of the Marianas over the weekend, barely clipped Guam and did not cause any damage in the CNMI.

According to a press release from the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, Super Typhoon Wutip continues to move further away from the Marianas.

As of 2pm yesterday, there were no reports of injuries or damage on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“There were no reports of injuries as a direct result of Wutip…Public roadways remain clear of debris,” it added.

At its peak early Sunday morning, Wutip became a super typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour (249.5 kilometers per hour).

It is expected to continue to the northwest through Monday morning before turning to the north-northwest and north. Super Typhoon Wutip will continue to slow down in forward motion through Monday morning and the slow motion will persist through Wednesday.

There were a total of 83 individuals who took shelter during the passing of Wutip on Saipan Tinian, and Rota. There were 81 shelterees on Saipan, two on Rota, and none on Tinian.

Government operations and schools, as well as non-commercial flights, are expected to resume today as scheduled.

Arctic Airlines will also be resuming operations on Monday but all other commercial flights have been cancelled until further notice.

Tropical storm watches and warning have been cancelled for the Marianas as of 5pm yesterday but winds and seas will remain hazardous through Tuesday night.

Acting governor Arnold Palacios commends all the hardworking government employees who worked tirelessly to ensure the CNMI’s safety during the storm.

“I want to especially recognize the National Weather Service out of Guam, our partners from Guam, the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mayor David M. Apatang and his great staff at the Mayor’s Office, our [temporary tent program] staff and partner agencies, and our military and federal partners for taking care of our residents in tents on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. I also want to thank our residents on all three islands for being proactive in preparation and for staying informed of our advisories and public announcements. The work continues for our recovery. Climate change is a reality, and we have to continue to be cognizant of that as we build resiliency for the future. Please continue to stay informed of our updates through HSEM, the CNMI Joint Information Center, and our media partners,” he said.