TINIAN; SAIPAN — * WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking waves of 12 to 18 feet expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal flooding up to 1 foot expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...North and east facing reefs of Tinian and Saipan.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning and Coastal Flood Statement, from 1 AM to 4 PM ChST Friday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 PM Friday to 4 PM ChST Saturday. For the High Rip Current Risk, from late tonight through Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Some water on low lying roads and property. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...As TY In-fa moves west-northwest toward the far northern CNMI, seas are expected to rapidly increase due to the large, long-period northeast swell emanating from In-fa. This will produce dangerous surf along north and east facing reefs after midnight tonight. As In-fa progresses, swell will become north, then northwest, resulting in surf building over west facing reefs Friday night. Surf will remain hazardous through Saturday afternoon. These surf conditions will maintain a high risk of dangerous rip currents.
Flooding in Tinian; Saipan can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS