Super Typhoon Wutip Press Release 2

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Office of the Governor HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Honorable Ralph DLG. Torres, Governor Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero, Special Assistant Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Lieutenant Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2019 – 2PM CHST

SUPER TYPHOON WUTIP MOVING AWAY FROM THE MARIANAS,

WARNING AND WATCHES CANCELLED FOR ROTA, TINIAN, SAIPAN, AGRIHAN AND PAGAN

Latest reports from the National Weather Service has indicated that Wutip’s Closest Point of Approach to the CNMI has already occurred, and is continuing to move away from the Marianas, no longer posing a threat to the Commonwealth. Therefore, Acting Governor Arnold I. Palacios has cancelled the Tropical Storm Warning for the island of Rota and the Tropical Storm Watches for the islands of Tinian, Saipan, Agrihan and Pagan.

“I commend all the hardworking government employees who worked tirelessly to ensure our safety during the storm, especially for our most vulnerable residents. I want to especially recognize the National Weather Service out of Guam, our partners from GovGuam, the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mayor David M. Apatang and his great staff at the Mayor’s Office, our TETRIS staff and partner agencies, and our military and federal partners for taking care of our residents in tents in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. I also want to thank our residents on all three islands for being proactive in preparation and for staying informed of our advisories and public announcements. The work continues for our recovery. Climate change is a reality, and we have to continue to be cognizant of that as we build resiliency for the future. Please continue to stay informed of our updates through HSEM, the CNMI Joint Information Center, and our media partners,” says Acting Governor Palacios.

As of 1PM CHST, the center of Typhoon Wutip was located near 12.9 Degrees North Latitude and 141.9 Degrees East Longitude placing Wutip 235 miles west-southwest of Rota, 285 miles west-southwest of Tinian, 300 miles west-southwest of Saipan, 445 miles southwest of Pagan and 480 miles south-southwest of Agrihan.

Maximum sustained winds are currently 155 MPH. Wutip is forecasted to weaken over the next few days.

Caller Box 10007, Capitol Hill, Saipan, MP 96950 Telephone: (670) 664-2216 (mainline), Facsimile: (670) 664-2218 (mainline), Training Center (670) 322-8005, Communication Technology (670) 322-8003 EOC STATE WARNING POINT (24/7) Tel. No. (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000 Fax No. (670) 322-9500 HSEM Website: cnmihsem.gov.mp ReadyCNMI App (Google Play Store & Apple App Store) Community Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Office of the Governor HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Honorable Ralph DLG. Torres, Governor Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero, Special Assistant Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Lieutenant Governor

Rota

As of Press Time, there were no reports of injuries as a direct result of Wutip. Residents living in the outskirts of both Songsong and Sinapalo have been reported to be okay.

Public roadways remain clear of debris. There is a current shelter population of 2 with expectation of the shelter count to zero-out once the “All Clear” has officially been issued.

Arctic Airlines will be resuming operations on Monday; however, all other commercial flights have been cancelled until further notice.

The Seaport remains on Zulu status meaning, all activity in and out of the Rota Seaport have ceased until further notice.

Although winds continue to subside, and precipitation now expected to be less than initially forecasted, dangerous sea conditions are still occurring. Inundation is possible on lower coastal areas of 2-3 feet with 13-16 foot surf expected. Small craft and other ocean-going vessels should remain in port and well-secured until an “All Clear” has been declared.

Dangerous rip currents should be expected and all residents should remain out of the water until coastal conditions clear.

Saipan and TInian

A total of 81 individuals consisting of 14 families sought shelter at the Kagman Emergency Shelter Facility during Wutip.

No injuries have been reported on Saipan or Tinian as of Press Time.

Government operations and schools are expected to resume as scheduled on Monday.

Although weather conditions have improved, Saipan and Tinian coastal waters continue to be under a hazardous sea warning and is strongly advising that small craft remain in port until coastal conditions have been deemed safe. Residents should remain out of the water until the "All Clear" has been issued.

Office of the Governor HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Honorable Ralph DLG. Torres, Governor Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero, Special Assistant Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Lieutenant Governor

Agrihan and Pagan

Hazardous surf is likely on the east and south-facing shores. Likewise with Rota, Saipan and Tinian, residents on Agrihan and Pagan should remain out of water until coastal conditions improve.

CNMI HSEM Special Assistant Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero thanks the community, “At this time, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management expresses our appreciation to the community for staying in tune with us throughout this close call. HSEM is aware that we have a vulnerable population as a result of Yutu, Mangkhut and Jebi and would like to thank the community for taking the necessary precautionary measures to ensure safety for themselves and their families while our first responders focus on providing aid to those most in need of assistance. Your cooperation is a partnership on its own and we are grateful to each CNMI citizen who took time to prepare and ensure the highest level of security for their families. Together, we can ensure resiliency in preparation for the next storm.”

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/ CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNMIGov/ Governor Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/ CNMI Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JICNMI/

HSEM also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI App available for FREE in the Apple Store or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Nadine Deleon Guerrero, HSEM External Affairs Officer at [email protected].