Northern Marianas brace for direct hit from Super Typhoon Sinlaku

Governor David Apatang will place Saipan, Tinian and Rota under Typhoon Condition I at 2pm Monday (4pm NZT), as Super Typhoon Sinlaku closes in on the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

The CNMI Office of the Governor said Tropical Storm Condition I will also take effect for Pagan and Alamagan.

Typhoon Condition I means destructive winds of at least 74 miles per hour are expected within 12 hours or less, while Tropical Storm Condition I signals possible winds of 39 mph or higher within the same timeframe.

The US National Weather Service in Guam warned that damaging winds could begin Monday night, with the storm's closest approach expected between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning.

Residents on Saipan and Tinian are being told to prepare for Category 4 conditions, with sustained winds of 130mph to 156mph and gusts nearing 200mph.

Rota is forecast to experience Category 1 conditions.

As of late morning, Sinlaku was about 295 miles southeast of Saipan, moving northwest at 9mph and expected to maintain its track.

Authorities are urging people in weak or non-concrete housing to relocate immediately to designated shelters and to stay off roads to allow emergency responders access.

Shelters across the islands opened Sunday afternoon, including sites on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Officials said residents should bring essential supplies, including food, water and bedding, and noted pets are not allowed except for certified service animals.

Health services are also scaling back. Outpatient clinics across the Commonwealth will close once higher typhoon conditions take effect, although emergency rooms will remain open.

Elective procedures have been cancelled, and patients requiring ongoing care, including dialysis, are being contacted.

Officials are also advising residents to secure at least a week's supply of medication and to avoid beaches, which are now closed due to hazardous conditions.

The governor's office said further updates will be issued as the storm approaches.