Residents Urged to Exercise Caution as Gusty Winds, Rain, and Flooding Persist

As Tropical Depression Kong-rey 23W continues to move away from the CNMI, gusty winds, rain, flooding, and other activities associated with the storm continue to linger. Based on information received from the National Weather Service (Guam) and collected and compiled at the CNMI Homeland Security & Emergency Management Office, note the following advisories in effect:

1. Flash flood warning remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian through 3 PM, October 26, 2024.
2. Wind advisory remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian until 6 PM on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
3. A high surf advisory and a rip current advisory are in effect for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota until 6 AM on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
4. Small craft advisory remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian until 6 PM, Sunday, October 27, 2024.

For detailed information about these advisories, visit the Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/. Please also note the following announcements from CNMI agencies:

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works is informing the general public to exercise precautionary measures along all travel routes of Saipan due to extreme flooding. Tropical Depression Kong-rey (23W) has caused flooding along all roadways: DPW and the Mayor of Saipan maintenance crew are currently working to restore all travel lanes and storm water channels.

• Avoid floodwaters: Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet, and two feet of water can carry away a vehicle. 
• Stay in your car: If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the car, get on the roof.
• Get to higher ground: If you are in an area that is subject to flooding, get to higher ground immediately.
• Avoid camping or parking: Avoid camping or parking along streams, storm water channels, or other areas prone to flooding.
• Don’t speed: Speeding worsens flooding effects.
• Don’t use hazard lights: Use hazard lights only when stopped.
• Don’t drive around barricades: Local responders use barricades to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas. 

Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority

Due to hazardous road conditions, the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority’s Transit CNMI’s Blue Line 1B Fixed Route service is temporarily suspended. The Call-A-Ride Saipan (CARS) demand responsive shared ride service remains open during operating hours.

Anyone needing transportation to the designated shelter(s) on the island of Saipan can call the HSEM State Warning Point at (670) 237-8000 for assistance. COTA will be on standby after normal operational hours for shelter evacuation and transportation. To reach COTA after normal operating hours call (670) 287-0226.

Northern Marianas Technical Institute

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute campus will be temporarily closed from Monday, October 28 through Friday, November 1, 2024, due to recent flooding. This closure ensures the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and allows NMTI to assess and address the damages caused by the flooding.

Please be advised that the closure period may be extended, pending further assessments. NMTI is working diligently with its facilities team and relevant authorities to determine the full extent of the damages and establish a timeline for reopening.

• All classes and on-campus activities will be suspended during this time.
• NMTI encourages students to monitor their emails and NMTI’s official social media channels for updates regarding scheduling changes and the reopening of the campus.
• A follow-up notice will be issued sooner if the campus can reopen earlier than anticipated.

Department of Public Lands

The Department of Public Lands (DPL) has announced it is observing regular operational hours for Managaha Island.

Stay Informed

The CNMI Office of the Governor and CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management advise the community to keep a close watch on official updates relating to weather forecasts and stay informed on the latest statements and advisories which will be available through official channels (listed below) and media partners.

For additional information, visit the following:

• CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/
• CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmigovernor
• NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
• NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center Website: https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html