SAIPAN — Emergency officials are telling CNMI residents to check their supplies and stay informed as Invest 92W nears tropical depression status, though no tropical cyclone watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for the CNMI.
The CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office, the CNMI Joint Information Center and the National Weather Service in Guam are closely monitoring the tropical disturbance, located near 8 degrees north, 155 degrees east, about 230 miles east of Chuuk, the JIC said in an advisory Tuesday.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center rates the system’s development potential as high, with formation into a tropical depression likely within 24 hours, according to the advisory.
The disturbance has lingered near Chuuk and Pohnpei, bringing locally heavy rain and gusty winds, with flash flooding reported in Kosrae. Models show the system strengthening and tracking northwest, generally east of Saipan, with some projections indicating a possible pass over the far northern Marianas late this weekend. Forecasters stressed that weekend details remain speculative until the system begins moving out of the Federated States of Micronesia, possibly by Wednesday evening.
Officials said now is the time to stay informed and maintain a general state of preparedness, not to panic. Residents are advised to check emergency supplies including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and first-aid kits; review family communication and shelter plans, especially for elderly family members and those with access or functional needs; and stay informed through official channels while avoiding sharing unverified information.
The potential weekend timing coincides with the 80th Liberation Day festivities, which run Friday and Saturday at the Civic Center in Susupe, with the parade Saturday morning along Quartermaster Road.
