In consultation with officials from the National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) advise CNMI residents to take precautionary measures for a tropical disturbance (99W) developing north of Chuuk and is expected to pass near or through the CNMI between Thursday night or Friday morning.
99W could be upgraded to a tropical depression later tonight.
There are currently no tropical storm watches or warning issued by NWS, but a small craft advisory and a flash flood watch is in effect from Thursday morning through Friday afternoon as heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches is expected for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Sustained winds of 25 mph with gusts up to 35-40 mph are possible within the CNMI.
In preparation for the tropical disturbance, Governor Torres and HSEM advise CNMI residents to take the following precautionary measures through Friday:
· Avoid driving on flooded roads or areas.
· Secure loose debris and belongings around your household or yard.
· Have a prepared emergency preparedness kit with first-aid kits, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, and a portable stove in your household.
· Stock up on food and water for your household.
· Stay up to date with the latest information from the National Weather Service and the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
CNMI residents are advised to stay safe while traveling in rainy conditions and to be courteous of other drivers out on the road.
This is an evolving situation. HSEM and the Office of the Governor will continue to provide updates moving forward.
For more information, please visit the following:
- CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/
- CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorCNMI
- Governor Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/
- NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
- NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
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