Governor David M. Apatang Declares
Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota
Tropical Storm Condition III Declared for Pagan and Alamagan
(Saipan, CNMI) – As of 2:00 PM, the Office of the Governor and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), in consultation with the National Weather Service (NWS Guam) Weather Forecast Office (WFO), has declared Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and Tropical Storm Condition III for Pagan and Alamagan.
Typhoon Condition II means that damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected within 24 hours, with the onset of typhoon force winds of 74 mph or more forecasted for Tuesday morning. Tropical Storm Condition III means that tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 mph or more, are possible within 48 hours.
Typhoon Sinlaku is located 490 miles southeast of Saipan, moving north-northeast at 9 mph. It is expected to turn toward the northwest, with little change in forward speed through Monday as it heads toward the Marianas.
For Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, prepare for Typhoon-Force winds, with the most likely time for typhoon-force winds around late Monday night to early Tuesday morning.
For Pagan and Alamagan, prepare for tropical-storm force winds, with the most likely time for Tropical Storm-Force winds around Tuesday. Residents of Agrihan should carefully monitor the progress of Typhoon Sinlaku.
Typhoon Sinlaku is expected to approach the Marianas and could drop as much as 20 inches of rain between Monday and Wednesday for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Current Active Advisories in Effect
- A High Surf Advisory remains in effect until 6 pm, April 12, 2026.
- A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 6 am April 13, 2026.
- A RIP Current statement remains in effect through the afternoon of April 12, 2026.
- A High Surf Warning remains in effect from 6 pm April 12, 2026, to 6 pm April 16, 2026.
- A Coastal Flood Watch remains in effect from Monday morning, April 13, 2026, through Wednesday afternoon.
- A Flood Watch remains in effect from 6 pm today through Wednesday morning
Shelter Updates
Shelters Activated
Shelters will open at 4:00 pm on April 12, 2026. Residents who need shelter assistance are asked to use the shelters closest to their homes. Residents are expected to bring their own bedding, food, and drinks to the shelter. No pets are permitted in the shelter unless they are certified service animals. An ID should be presented upon entry. To ensure the safety and comfort of all residents, we kindly ask that those seeking shelter bring only essential items. Due to limited space and capacity at our shelter
locations.
- Saipan: Kagman High School (North), Koblerville Elementary (South), and Marianas High School (Central).
- Tinian: Tinian Elementary School
- Rota: Sinapalo Office on Aging (Primary), Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School (Secondary)
For Saipan, the Office on Aging is open to accommodate persons with disabilities and those with medical needs. Services under these categories include individuals who are wheelchair bound, who need oxygen, and those with ailments that do not need to be admitted to the hospital.
For Rota, the Office on Aging in Sinapalo is the designated shelter. For inquiries, please call Valerie Q. Apatang at (670) 532-2656.
Transportation to Shelters
Transportation services to typhoon shelters for the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota can be accessed by contacting the following telephone numbers:
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota:
EOC State Warning Point: (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000
Commonwealth Health Care Corporation (CHCC)
Health Center Hours During Storm
Upon declaration of Typhoon Condition II or I, all CHCC Outpatient Clinics, the Rota Health Center, and the Tinian (LCVA) Health Center outpatient services will be closed. Patients affected by these closures will be contacted to reschedule their appointments.
Emergency Rooms at CHC Hospital, Rota Health Center, and the LCVA (Tinian) Health Center will remain open 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, to ensure access to urgent care.
Elective surgeries scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, will be canceled and rescheduled. Our team will reach out directly to patients with updated information.
Hemodialysis services will also be closed on Monday, April 13, 2026. Affected patients will be contacted directly to coordinate rescheduling and continuity of care.
Advisory for Expectant Mothers
Expectant mothers who are at least 36 weeks pregnant or at risk for preterm labor may seek shelter through CHCC. Please call (670) 234- 8950 for assistance. Residents of Tinian and Rota may report directly to their respective health centers.
Advisory Regarding Filling Medication
We strongly encourage all residents to prepare at least a one-week supply of prescription medications, especially those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. Be sure to store medications in a waterproof container. The CHCC Outpatient Pharmacy will be open Sunday, April 12, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for medication refills.
CHCC continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Stay safe, stay prepared, and look out for one another.
Community Guidance Center
All Behavioral Programs and Services are closed on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
- 988 For Behavioral Health Crisis
- (670) 788-0114 For Addictions Services Unit
- (670) 287-4063 For Transitional Living Center
For more information, please call (670) 234-8950
Government Offices
All government offices will be closed beginning on Monday, April 13, 2026, until the All Clear is declared.
Educational Institutions
Public School System
The CNMI Public School System schools, offices, and programs will be closed on Monday, April 13, 2026, until further notice.
Parents and staff will receive updates through email and official social media pages.
Northern Marianas College
Northern Marianas College campuses on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will be closed until an “All Clear” declaration is made or until otherwise announced. NMC students and employees are advised to check their NMC email (@marianas.edu) for further updates regarding the reopening of campuses.
Northern Marianas Technical Institute
Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) will be closed on April 13, 2026, until the “All Clear” is given.
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC)
In anticipation of Typhoon Sinlaku approaching the Marianas within the next 24–48 hours, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) urges the community to take necessary precautions to ensure safety and preparedness.
Utility Operations
At this time, power, water, and wastewater services are not scheduled to be turned off.
Generator, Solar, and Battery Safety
Customers using generators, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, or battery storage systems must follow strict safety precautions to prevent electrical backfeeding, which can endanger both residents and utility crews:
- Turn off your home’s main breaker when using generators or backup systems.
- Disconnect solar PV systems at both the inverter and main breaker.
- Turn off battery storage systems supplying backup power.
- Use generators only with a properly installed transfer (double-throw) switch.
- Never operate generators indoors or in garages.
- Operate generators at least 20 feet away from structures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Improperly connected equipment can cause backfeeding, sending electricity into power lines and creating life-threatening conditions for utility crews.
Electrical and Water Safety Tips
Residents are encouraged to follow these additional safety measures:
- Unplug appliances and electronic equipment.
- Avoid contact with plugged-in appliances during wet conditions.
- Fill water containers, bathtubs, and tanks in anticipation of potential service interruptions. Be aware that flooding may contaminate water supplies.
- Store sufficient drinking water for consumption.
- When evacuating, turn off the main water valve. After the storm, inspect for leaks and repair them promptly.
- Conserve water as service is restored to help extend the available supply.
- Limit wastewater usage to reduce strain on the sewer system and prevent overflows or backups.
- Toilet Tip: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”
- Do not open sewer clean-outs or manholes to drain floodwaters, as this may cause system overflows and health hazards.
Precautionary Boil Water Notice – Rota Only
A precautionary boil water notice is in effect for the island of Rota due to storm conditions. Residents are advised to boil water for at least three (3) minutes before use and allow it to cool prior to consumption. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and making ice. Any water or ice prepared prior to the notice should be discarded. While turbidity itself may not cause health effects, it can interfere with disinfection and increase the risk of contamination from bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Emergency Communications
CUC’s 24-hour Customer Service lines are reserved for utility emergencies only. Please report hazards such as downed power lines and sparking or burning transformers. For power or water outages, contact the CUC Hotline at (670) 236-4333. In case of an emergency, contact Customer Service at (670) 664-4282.
Gas Stations
Shell: Shell is advising CNMI residents to begin fueling their cars and gathering generator fuel in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
Shell will continue to monitor the evolving situation and will provide updates on station closures at a later time.
Mobil: Mobil Gas Stations on Saipan will close tonight at 9 pm, April 12, 2026, as part of its normal operating hours. From April 13, we will monitor weather conditions and advise on future closure dates/times.
Tinian Fuel Services: Are currently closed. Closure hours and dates will be announced at a later time.
Luta Gas Station and Sasanhaya gas station: Are currently closed. Opening hours and dates will be announced at a later time.
Airlines
United Airlines: All United Airlines flights starting on April 12, 2026, through April 13, 2026, are canceled. United Airlines Network Operations Center will be updating flight status on the United Airlines App.
Micronesian Air Connection Services: All flights scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, and April 14, 2026, have been canceled. For additional information, please visit https://www.flymacs.com/.
Prepare for Tropical Storm and Typhoon Strength Winds
In preparation for anticipated tropical storm and typhoon-strength winds, Governor David M. Apatang, Lt. Dennis James C. Mendiola, and CNMI HSEM advise CNMI residents to take the following preparation measures:
- Gas vehicles and obtain fuel for your generators.
- Secure loose debris and belongings around your household or yard.
- Those living in flood-prone areas should take action; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown.
- Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating small vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions.
- If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in the direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
- Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents, and keep copies in a weather-proof bag.
- Prepare to close storm shutters.
- Have a prepared emergency preparedness kit with first-aid kits, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, and a portable stove in your household.
- Stock up on food and water, as appropriate, for your household.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Before and after the storm.
- Reminder: Stay up to date with the latest information from the National Weather Service, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and other official sources.
Stay Informed
The Office of the Governor advises the community to keep a close watch on official updates regarding weather forecasts and stay informed about the latest statements and advisories, which will be available through official channels (listed below) and media partners.
For additional information, visit the following:
For more information, contact HSEM Public Information Officer Bernard Villagomez at b.villagomez@cnmihsem.gov.mp or call 670-287-7106.
###