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Tropical Storm Warning
ActiveTinian; Saipan
Status
In Progress
Started about 3 hours ago
Ends
Issued
Severity
Severe
Urgency
Immediate
Certainty
Likely
Details
...TYPHOON CHOI-WAN MOVING NORTHEAST AND AWAY FROM AGRIHAN...
.NEW INFORMATION... None.
.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 Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Alamagan, Agrihan and Pagan in the CNMI. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan and their adjacent waters in the CNMI.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Please listen closely for any Flood Warnings that might be in effect for your area.
Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards.
.STORM INFORMATION... At 2 PM ChST, the center of Typhoon Choi-wan (26W) was located near latitude 19.0N and longitude 145.5E. This was about 20 miles north- northwest of Agrihan, and about 270 miles north of Saipan. Storm motion was northeast, 35 degrees, at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, becoming a Category 2 typhoon. Choi-wan is expected to make a slight turn toward the north-northeast with a slight increase in forward speed through Sunday, moving away from the Marianas. Choi-wan is forecast to intensify further through tonight, becoming a Category 3 typhoon tonight.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Typhoon Choi-wan continues to intensify, and is expected to become a Category 3 typhoon tonight as it continues moving away from the Marianas and passing near Maug to the northeast. A Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan. Due to the enhancement of the monsoon surge along the southern peripheries of Choi-wan, TS conditions are still expected at Tinian, Saipan and their adjacent waters in the early evening hours tonight, but then becoming more likely to fall below TS conditions as the night goes on.
Instructions
Stay indoors during heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind conditions associated with Typhoon Choi-wan (26W). Heed the advice of your local emergency managers and officials, and continue to monitor forecasts by the National Weather Service office in Tiyan, Guam. Remain in sturdy shelter until the all clear is given.
Remain in suitable shelter, such as a cave or sturdy concrete structure. Shelter in place until the all-clear is given.
.WIND INFORMATION... Typhoon winds of 74 mph or more will continue for Alamagan, Agrihan and Pagan into this evening as Choi-wan treks north through the northern CNMI and strengthens further into a Category 3 typhoon. On either side of the typhoon-force winds, tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph look to continue through at least Sunday morning.
.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION... Hazardous surf of 10 to 14 feet along north, south, and west facing reefs are expected to continue, increasing by several feet during the time of nearest passage. As Choi-wan continues to strengthen, dangerous surf is likely along all reefs at all three islands through at least Sunday. Significant coastal erosion and some coastal inundation is expected during Choi-wan's passage.
.OTHER STORM EFFECTS... Periods of torrential rain, widespread heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected through tonight, producing rainfall totals of 8 to 14 inches by early Monday morning, with up to 20 inches of rainfall possible near the center of the system.
Data from the National Weather Service
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