SAIPAN — Typhoon Sinlaku intensified Sunday afternoon to sustained winds of 125 mph and a Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with typhoon-force winds expected to arrive as early as Tuesday morning, according to HSEM Bulletin 6A issued at 5 p.m.
The storm was located at 10.3 degrees North, 150.6 degrees East as of 5 p.m., approximately 465 miles southeast of Saipan, moving north-northwest at 9 mph. HSEM said Sinlaku is forecast to continue intensifying through Monday before making a slight turn toward the northwest with little change in forward speed as it approaches the Marianas.
A Typhoon Warning means damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected within 24 hours. Typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more are forecast to arrive for Rota, Tinian and Saipan by Tuesday morning. Typhoon-force winds now extend 60 miles from the center, with tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 245 miles out.
A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Pagan and Alamagan. Residents of Agrihan were advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely.
Typhoon Condition II remains in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Tropical Storm Condition III remains in effect for Pagan and Alamagan.
The next bulletin is scheduled for 8 p.m., followed by an intermediate bulletin at 11 p.m. Residents can monitor updates through NOAA Weather Radio at 211 or by calling the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 670-237-8000 or 670-664-8000. Northern Islands residents should contact the EOC via HF SSB Radio on frequency 5.205.0.
