SAIPAN — Typhoon Sinlaku has intensified to 110 mph sustained winds and is pivoting toward the Marianas, the CNMI Emergency Operations Center reported Sunday morning in Bulletin 5 at 8 a.m.
As of 7 a.m. ChST, Sinlaku was located at 9.5 degrees north, 151.3 degrees east, approximately 540 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian and 520 miles southeast of Guam and Rota, moving north-northwest at 5 mph. The system is expected to turn northwest with a slight increase in forward speed through Monday as it heads toward the Marianas. Sinlaku is forecast to continue intensifying through tonight.
Typhoon-force winds now extend up to 50 miles from the center. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 245 miles to the northeast and up to 200 miles elsewhere, a significant expansion of the wind field from yesterday.
Typhoon Condition III remains in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, meaning typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours.
The next intermediate bulletin is scheduled for 11 a.m. ChST, followed by a full bulletin at 2 p.m. Call the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 670-237-8000 or 670-664-8000. NOAA Weather Radio is available at 211.
