SAIPAN — Super Typhoon Sinlaku has likely reached peak intensity at 180 mph sustained winds and the latest forecast track calls for a direct passage over Tinian on Tuesday afternoon, with wind gusts capable of exceeding 200 mph, according to a weather alert issued Monday morning by NWS Guam meteorologist Landon Aydlett.
Aydlett said a very gradual weakening trend is expected to begin Monday evening, but residents across the CNMI should plan and prepare for significant typhoon conditions Tuesday and Tuesday night. Tropical storm-force conditions are expected to set in across Guam and the CNMI late Monday afternoon and through the evening.
The alert carried an urgent message: residents who are not in a reinforced concrete home or building should seek shelter immediately. All preparedness actions should be completed before conditions begin to significantly worsen this afternoon.
The track reflects a slight southward shift from an earlier advisory, with passage anticipated over Tinian. Further shifts in either direction remain possible as Sinlaku makes its final approach over the next 24 hours.
