TINIAN; SAIPAN — ...TYPHOON CHAMPI MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST TOWARDS GUAM...
.NEW INFORMATION... Champi upgraded to a typhoon.
.AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides information and recommended actions for people on Guam, and on Rota, Tinian and Saipan in the Northern Marianas.
.WATCHES/WARNINGS... A Typhoon Warning continues for Guam and Rota. A Tropical Storm Warning in conjuction with a Typhoon Watch continue for Tinian and Saipan. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Please listen closely for any Flash Flood Warnings that might be in effect for your area.
Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards.
.STORM INFORMATION... At 700 AM ChST, the center of Typhoon Champi (29W) was located near latitude 12.0N and longitude 149.6E. This was about 340 miles east- southeast of Guam. Storm motion was west-northwest, 295 degrees, at 15 mph. Storm intensity was 85 mph. The system is expected to further intensify today, with rapid intensification likely as Champi approaches the Marianas. This general forecast track will take Champi just south of Guam as a category 3 typhoon.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Showers and winds will steadily increase this afternoon, and then deteriorate significantly from tonight as newly upgraded Typhoon Champi continues to move in from the east-southeast. Champi is expected to go through a period of rapid intensification shortly, strengthening further as the day goes on. Winds and rain will come in rapidly, with winds becoming dangerous and life threatening very soon after onset. Do not let a false sense of normalcy now dictate your actions tomorrow; prepare NOW!
A hurricane or tropical storm in Tinian; Saipan brings damaging wind, heavy rain, storm surge, and the risk of extended power loss. Travel and supply runs can become difficult or impossible.
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 tropical storm system and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS