Typhoon Choi-wan continued to disrupt life across the Northern Mariana Islands, bringing strong winds, intermittent power outages, dangerous seas, and the threat of flash flooding.
On Saipan, pedestrians were seen struggling to walk against powerful wind gusts, while some businesses remained closed because of the bad weather.
The island also experienced intermittent power outages, while neighbouring Tinian suffered an island-wide power outage on Friday.
The Northern Marianas College and Public School System remained closed Friday as hazardous weather continued.
Saipan Mayor’s Office crews were, meanwhile, clearing sand and debris washed from beaches onto coastal roads by rough seas.
The Department of Public Works also reminded election candidates to remove campaign placards because they could become dangerous projectiles in the strong winds. Many of the signs are made from plywood.
One motorist said a wind-blown campaign placard nearly struck his vehicle.
The cone contains the probable path of Typhoon Choi-wan centre but not the size of the storm
NOAA
The bad weather had already disrupted the Saipan Chamber of Commerce gubernatorial debate Thursday night, when electricity went out at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium and forced organisers to postpone the second half of the event.
The outage came shortly after candidates had discussed the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and the territory’s continuing power problems.
Authorities have also placed Saipan, Tinian, and Rota under a flood watch through late Sunday night, warning that excessive rainfall could cause flash flooding in low-lying, poorly drained and urban areas.
Choi-wan’s slow movement and strong monsoon flow to its south are expected to keep conditions wet into early next week.
Forecast rainfall during the watch period is five to eight inches for Saipan and Tinian and four to six inches for Rota and Guam.
Residents near streams and other flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and make sure nearby storm drains are clear.
Marine conditions also remain dangerous, with a small-craft advisory in place and large breaking waves expected along exposed reefs.
Saipan and Tinian are under a high surf advisory, coastal flood watch and high rip-current risk, with waves of 10 to 14 feet possible along north- and west-facing reefs.
Authorities warned that some coastal roads could be closed and low-lying homes, businesses, and infrastructure could be inundated.
Governor David Apatang has urged people to stay out of dangerous waters and advised residents of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if flash flood warnings are issued.
Choi-wan was north of Saipan early Saturday with maximum sustained winds of about 80 miles per hour.
Tropical-storm-force winds were affecting Saipan and Tinian, while typhoon warnings were in effect farther north for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan.
