Super Typhoon Sinlaku has intensified to 175 mph winds, moving north-northwest at 10 mph and nearing peak strength. Photo credit: zoom.earth.
Source: RNZ Pacific
A “monster” super typhoon is tracking toward the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), prompting a federal emergency declaration and widespread flight cancellations as officials warn of destructive winds and flooding.
Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said in its 1am bulletin that Super Typhoon Sinlaku has intensified to 175 mph winds, moving north-northwest at 10 mph and nearing peak strength.
Landon Aydlett, warning coordination meteorologist at National Weather Service Guam, said the storm’s track has shifted slightly north over the past day, with the latest projection now showing a possible passage over Saipan rather than just south of Tinian.
He said “an ideal scenario” would be for the system to track farther north, keeping the most intense winds offshore, but warned that even a pass 50 miles away would still bring destructive conditions. Typhoon-force winds extend about 60 miles from the centre, with tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 275 miles.
The escalating threat prompted President Donald Trump to approve an emergency declaration for the CNMI under the Stafford Act, unlocking federal assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency.
CNMI’s delegate to the US Congress Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the support would provide resources “before, during, and after the storm,” urging residents to remain calm, informed, and prepared.
Governor David Apatang had earlier requested the declaration, citing “an imminent and escalating threat to life, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure.”
Authorities have raised Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, meaning damaging winds are expected within 24 hours, with typhoon-force winds forecast by early Tuesday.
Air travel has also been severely disrupted.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority confirmed that United Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and T’Way Air have cancelled flights to Saipan, following earlier suspensions by local carriers.
United Airlines warned of broader disruptions, saying all flights to Saipan could be cancelled through midweek.
Schools across the CNMI have been closed, including public schools and Northern Marianas College, while officials warn of up to 20 inches of rain and significant coastal flooding between Monday and Wednesday.
Apatang also issued a directive ordering all CNMI Government offices to remain closed starting Monday until an all-clear is declared following Typhoon Sinlaku.
Most private companies have also followed suit.
Multiple advisories remain in effect, including high surf warnings, flood watches and coastal flood alerts, as Sinlaku approaches the islands.