Tropical Storm Watch

Active

Tinian; Saipan

Status In Progress Started about 1 hour ago

Ends Oct 1, 6:45 AM ChST

Issued Sep 30, 10:11 PM ChST

Severity Severe

Urgency Future

Certainty Possible

Details

...TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR SAIPAN AND TINIAN...

.NEW INFORMATION... A Tropical Storm Watch has now been issued for Saipan and Tinian.

.AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides information and recommended actions for people on Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

.Watches/Warnings... A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Tinian, Saipan, and adjacent coastal waters.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan Islands in the CNMI.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that Tropical Storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours somewhere within the specified areas.

All persons in the watch areas should review their preparedness plan and begin to take actions to prepare for conditions as indicated by your local forecast and additional details, below, for your island.

.STORM INFORMATION... As of 9 PM, 26W is centered about 340 miles east-southeast of Pagan, moving west at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The current forecast track reflects an intensifying 26W passing through the Marianas just north of Anatahan Friday before curving northward just west of the islands by Saturday.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Tropical Depression 26W will maintain a steady pace of around 10 mph as it heads toward the northern Marianas before coming to a crawl near and just west of the islands as it makes the turn to the north late week. This slow northward turn will prolong the duration of damaging winds across Saipan, Tinian and the northern islands, likely leading to a lengthy period of time of damaging to destructive tropical storm conditions beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Sunday afternoon.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Instructions

Keep informed while listening for possible warnings. Secure loose outdoor objects which can be blown around. Strongly consider evacuating if you live in a metal roof or container home, and do so if ordered by local officials.

.WIND INFORMATION... Northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph will turn toward the west, then southwest while increasing through Friday morning. Winds will possibly reach tropical storm-force of 39 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph Thursday evening. Strong tropical storm-force winds look to remain north of Saipan and Tinian at this time.

.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION... Surf will initially build to 8 to 11 ft along north-facing reefs by Thursday night, then quickly spread along west-facing reefs as the center crosses the far northern CNMI early Friday morning. As 26W continues to strengthen, surf will continue to increase. Then, as 26W passes west of the northern CNMI late Friday through Saturday, surf will build by several feet along south facing reefs as well. Coastal inundation of 1 to 2 feet will be possible along all reefs.

.OTHER STORM EFFECTS... Widespread locally heavy showers could produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches by early Monday morning, with locally heavier amounts possible.

Take small loose object indoors. Identify suitable shelter. Stock up a few days worth of food and water. If no concrete shelter is available, look for a cave or something similar. Take action to protect food crops or other possessions as appropriate.

.WIND INFORMATION... Northerly winds of 10 to 15 mph will turn toward the northwest, then southwest and increase through Friday as 26W crosses the northern CNMI and strengthens, potentially becoming a typhoon Friday afternoon after it crosses the islands. Tropical storm force winds of 39 to 50 mph may begin by Thursday evening as the center looks to pass to the south of Alamagan. Depending on the track and intensity, winds may increase to strong tropical storm-force of 58 to 65 mph early Friday morning for islands closest to the center. Typhoon force winds are not expected at this time, but this may change if 26W develops faster or moves slower than previous forecasts indicate.

.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION... Surf will initially build to 8 to 11 ft along east-facing reefs by Thursday night, then quickly spread along north and west-facing reefs as the center crosses the northern CNMI early Friday morning, increasing to 12 to 16 ft. As 26W continues to strengthen, hazardous surf will continue to increase, especially for islands closest to the center. Then, as 26W passes west of the northern CNMI late Friday through Saturday, surf will build by several feet along south facing reefs as well, likely becoming hazardous. Coastal inundation of 1 to 2 feet will be possible along all reefs.

.OTHER STORM EFFECTS... Widespread locally heavy showers could produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches by early Monday morning, with locally heavier amounts possible.