Gov. David M. Apatang on Sunday at 2 p.m. declared Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, while Tropical Storm Condition III was issued for Pagan and Alamagan, according to the Office of the Governor and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in coordination with the National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office.
Typhoon Condition II means damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected within 24 hours, with typhoon‑force winds of 74 mph or more forecast for early Tuesday morning.
Tropical Storm Condition III means tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 mph or more, are possible within 48 hours.
As of Sunday afternoon, Typhoon Sinlaku was located about 490 miles southeast of Saipan, moving north‑northeast at 9 mph. The system is expected to turn northwest with little change in forward speed through Monday as it approaches the Marianas.
For Saipan, Tinian and Rota, residents should prepare for typhoon‑force winds, with the most likely arrival time late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
For Pagan and Alamagan, tropical‑storm‑force winds are most likely on Tuesday.
Emergency shelters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota have been activated. Most government offices and schools will be closed on Monday, with the exception of emergency responders and Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation emergency rooms.
