SAIPAN — Tropical Storm Sinlaku was upgraded to a typhoon Saturday afternoon as the system intensified to 85 mph sustained winds and shifted its movement toward the north-northeast, the CNMI Emergency Operations Center reported in Bulletin 2 at 2 p.m.
As of 1 p.m. ChST, Typhoon Sinlaku was located at 8.7 degrees north, 151.5 degrees east approximately 590 miles southeast of Saipan, 590 miles southeast of Tinian, 570 miles southeast of Rota and 560 miles southeast of Guam, moving north-northeast at 5 mph.
The system is expected to turn toward the northwest with a slight increase in forward speed through Sunday as it heads toward the Marianas. Sinlaku is forecast to continue intensifying through tonight. Typhoon-force winds currently extend up to 50 miles from the center. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 185 miles from the center.
A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, meaning typhoon conditions including winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours. Typhoon Condition III declared earlier Saturday by Governor David M. Apatang remains in effect.
The next intermediate bulletin is scheduled for 5 p.m. ChST, followed by a full bulletin at 8 p.m. Residents can reach the CNMI EOC State Warning Point around the clock at 670-237-8000 or 670-664-8000. Northern Islands residents should monitor High Frequency Single Side Band Radio on frequency 5.205.0. NOAA Weather Radio is available by calling 211
