SAIPAN — A Flood Advisory is in effect for Saipan and Tinian until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, with heavy thunderstorm rain expected to cause urban and small-stream flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
At 3:26 p.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain from thunderstorms, with 0.6 to 1.2 inches already fallen, according to the advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam and relayed by the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point. Additional rainfall of 0.6 to 1.2 inches is expected over the area, resulting in minor flooding.
Locations expected to experience flooding include Garapan, Dandan, China Town, Tanapag, As Mahetog, Koblerville, San Jose on Tinian, Chalan Kanoa I through IV, San Antonio, San Roque, Kagman, Kagman III, Gualo Rai, Afetnas, Chalan Piao, Fananganan and Chalan Laulau.
Gov. David M. Apatang advised residents of Saipan and Tinian to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. Residents living near streams and rivers should prepare to move items away from stream and river banks, and the public is urged to make sure nearby storm drains are not clogged, especially in low-lying areas.
The advisory comes amid an unsettled afternoon across the region, with a Special Marine Warning for waterspouts in Rota waters earlier Wednesday and Tropical Depression 17W strengthening to the southeast. Weather officials have said Wednesday’s convective weather over the lower Marianas stems from the broader unsettled pattern rather than the depression’s core.
