SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang will declare Typhoon Condition I for Saipan, Tinian and Rota effective 2 p.m. Monday, signaling that typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more are expected to arrive within 12 hours, as Super Typhoon Sinlaku bears down on the Marianas with a Category 4 strike forecast for Saipan and Tinian.
Tropical Storm Condition I was simultaneously declared for Pagan and Alamagan, also effective 2 p.m.
NWS Guam estimates residents of Saipan, Tinian and Rota will begin seeing damaging winds Monday night, with the time of passage estimated from Tuesday morning into Wednesday morning. Saipan and Tinian residents are being asked to prepare for sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph with gusts of 168 to 197 mph. Rota residents are asked to prepare for Category 1 conditions with winds of 74 to 95 mph.
Residents living in non-concrete or otherwise vulnerable structures must relocate to a structurally sound shelter immediately. There is no more time. The public is advised to stay off roadways entirely to allow first responders clear access.
The Department of Public Safety announced all CNMI beaches are closed beginning Monday for swimming or any other recreational activity due to hazardous conditions. DPS Marine Patrol will be actively monitoring shorelines to enforce the closure.
Shelters remain open on all three islands. On Saipan, Kagman High School serves the north, Koblerville Elementary serves the south and Marianas High School serves central. Tinian Elementary School is the designated shelter on Tinian. On Rota, the primary shelter is the Sinapalo Office on Aging and the secondary is Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School. The Koberville Youth Center is designated for registered sex offenders. Transportation to shelters is available by calling the EOC State Warning Point at 670-237-8000 or 670-664-8000.
All CHCC outpatient clinics are closed. Emergency rooms at CHC Hospital, Rota Health Center and the LCVA Tinian Health Center remain open 24/7. Expectant mothers at 36 weeks or more should call 670-234-8950. All Community Guidance Center behavioral programs and services are closed Monday.
