SAIPAN — A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Saipan and Tinian coastal waters as Tropical Storm Higos intensifies, and officials are urging all mariners to seek safe harbor as soon as possible, warning that venturing out could pose a significant threat to life and property.
In a Special Marine Advisory issued at 3:00 PM Tuesday, the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said the earlier Small Craft Advisory for Tinian and Saipan coastal waters had been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. The warning is in effect through at least Tuesday evening.
The advisory said tropical-storm-force winds of 30 to 35 knots, with gusts up to 50 knots, would generate hazardous seas that could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous for small craft and most large vessels, the office said, adding that Tropical Depression 08W had been upgraded to Tropical Storm Higos.
A Tropical Storm Warning means sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots, or 39 to 73 miles per hour. Governor David M. Apatang advised all mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, to avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
The advisory was based on information from the National Weather Service in Tiyan and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point.
