Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Parts of Northern Mariana Islands

Tropical Storm Warning was issued by the for Tinian; Saipan.

Tropical Storm Warning

The alert was issued at 3:27 PM local time and is scheduled to remain in effect until 9:00 PM local time. The NWS lists the alert severity as severe. Its urgency is listed as immediate. The event is classified as likely.

Storm Details

The center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan (26W) was located near latitude 16.8N, longitude 147.5E. This was about 290 miles northeast of Guam. Choi-wan is estimated to be moving west-northwest at 18 mph, to then slow down to less than 10 mph tonight. The current forecast speed is likely to be a result of a center position being farther west than the prior forecast, skewing the forward speed higher during this cycle. Storm intensity was 45 mph. Choi-wan is forecast to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon Friday afternoon. .SITUATION OVERVIEW. Tropical Storm Choi-wan (26W) has increased in forward speed to then once again slow down later tonight, with a slight contraction in the tropical storm-force wind field expected to the west and southwest, but remain well within Tinian, Saipan and their adjacent waters as Choi-wan comes closer. As such, the Tropical Storm Watch was upgraded to Tropical Storm Warning for Agrihan, and a new Typhoon Watch issued as well. Choi-wan will continue west through tonight, making a turn to the northwest Friday morning as it begins to approach Alamagan from the south and intensify into a typhoon sometime Friday afternoon, turning sharply northward, to then move north- northeastward late Friday night. This forecasted passage along the axis of the Far Northern Marianas is still expected to prolong the duration of damaging winds across the northern islands, likely leading to a lengthy period of time of damaging to destructive tropical storm conditions beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday afternoon. As Choi-wan is forecast to strengthen to a typhoon, there is likelihood for typhoon-force conditions to develop somewhere along the far Northern Marianas. As such, a Typhoon Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remain in effect for Alamagan and Pagan

Areas Affected

The warning covers Tinian; Saipan.

Safety Information

Stay indoors during heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind conditions associated with Tropical Storm Choi-wan (26W). Heed the advice of your local emergency managers and officials, and continue to monitor forecasts by the office in Tiyan, Guam. Remain in sturdy shelter until the all-clear is given. Take small loose object indoors. Identify suitable shelter. Stock up a few days worth of food and water. If no concrete shelter is available, look for a cave or something similar. Take action to protect food crops or other possessions as…