With Super Typhoon Sinlaku packing winds of 175 mph early Monday, emergency officials in the Mariana Islands warned that the window to finish storm preparations is rapidly closing.
A Monday morning bulletin from the National Weather Service spelled out the danger for residents of Saipan and Tinian, where Sinlaku is expected to hit as a Category 4 or 5 storm.
“Devastating damage is possible if this forecast track and wind speed holds. Airborne debris will cause extensive damage. Persons, pets, and livestock struck by the wind-blown debris will be injured or killed. Nearly all metal roof homes will be destroyed. Electricity and water will be unavailable for days and perhaps weeks after the storm passes. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted. Fallen trees may cut off residential areas for days to weeks,” the bulletin stated.
A typhoon warning is in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan, and a tropical storm warning and typhoon watch is in effect for Guam.
Damaging winds are expected to begin later today.
Sinlaku is expected to bring winds of 130 to 155 mph with gusts to 190 mph to the CNMI.
Those who live in homes that are vulnerable to high winds and flooding should get ready to evacuate. If you live on a boat, make final preparations for securing the vessel before you leave it.
As of 1 a.m. Monday, Super Typhoon Sinlaku was located at 11.4 degrees north latitude and 149.9 degrees east longitude, or about 380 miles southeast of Saipan and Tinian and 375 miles east-southeast of Guam.
Sinlaku was moving north-northwest at 10 mph.
Those going to a shelter are reminded to bring a first-aid kit, medicines and prescriptions, baby food and diapers, games and books and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person.
Important papers, such as personal identification, insurance policies and credit cards should also be gathered and protected.
With astronomical tides this week and pre-existing elevated seas, dangerous surf is expected or already occurring across north, east and south reefs in the Marianas and potentially spreading to west reefs once the storm moves away from the islands, the National Weather Service warned.
Heavy, intense rainfall is also expected for much of the week.
Sinlaku was originally forecast to pass south of Guam as a weak Typhoon, but the system intensified and took a more northerly track.
Guam residents will still be faced with tropical storm-force winds of 40 to 50 mph and gusts to 65 mph from Tuesday into Wednesday.
Heavy rains and flooding are also expected.
