SAIPAN — A developing tropical disturbance, Invest 99W, is quickly approaching the islands of the northern CNMI. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) for 99W. This means that development into a significant tropical cyclone is likely within the next 24 hours. What this means for the northern CNMI of Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan is that you can expect an increase in showers and thunderstorms with strong gusty winds as 99W moves past. Invest 99W is currently not expected to move through the northern CNMI stronger than a Tropical Depression. However, as with all tropical cyclones, this could change.
Invest 99W is currently moving fairly quickly, which is a good thing for the northern CNMI. At the current speed, 99W looks to pass through the region near Alamagan Saturday morning or early afternoon, not becoming a Tropical Storm until later in the day, west of the islands. Invest 99W will be monitored over the next 24 hours for any significant changes in expectations and the residents of the northern CNMI should continue to monitor forecasts for any changes to the current expectations. For now, prepare for increasing rainfall, with isolated thunderstorms and strong gusty winds within the heavier showers. Only 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is expected, with gusts up to 40 mph possible.
For more information on Invest 99W, see bulletins issued by JTWC under WMO header ABPW10 PGTW and WTPN21 PGTW.
Local conditions in Saipan may affect travel, public safety, or daily routines. Stay informed and adjust plans if conditions change.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Residents should be prepared for possible effects on travel, public safety, and daily routines while the situation remains active.
Recommended steps: stay informed via official sources; avoid non-essential travel in the area; secure outdoor items if weather is involved; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this developing situation and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS