Headline:
Tropical Storm Warning issued October 2 at 9:21PM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
October 2, 2026 - 4:21am
Expires:
October 2, 2026 - 12:30pm
Description:
...TYPHOON WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FOR AGRIHAN AND PAGAN IN THE
CNMI...
...TROPICAL STORM CHOI-WAN NEARLY STATIONARY AS IT CONTINUES WEST-
NORTHWEST AWAY FROM ANATAHAN...
.NEW INFORMATION...
A Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Agrihan and Pagan in the
CNMI.
.AREAS AFFECTED...
This local statement provides information and recommended actions
for people on Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Agrihan and Pagan in the
CNMI.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Tinian, Saipan, and
Alamagan in the CNMI.
A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Alamagan in the CNMI.
A Typhoon Warning means that typhoon conditions, including winds
of 74 mph or more are expected, with tropical storm force winds
beginning within 24 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions,
including winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within 24 hours.
A Typhoon Watch means that typhoon conditions are possible within
24 hours.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Please listen
closely for any Flash Flood Warnings that might be in effect for
your area.
Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed
information about additional hazards.
.STORM INFORMATION...
At 8 PM ChST, the center of Tropical Storm Choi-wan (26W) was
located near latitude 17.1N, longitude 144.7E. This was about 80
miles northwest of Alamagan, 100 miles southwest of Pagan, 130
miles south-southwest of Agrihan, and 250 miles north of Guam.
Storm motion was west-northwest, 300 degrees, at 2 mph. Storm
intensity was 70 mph.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Tropical Storm Choi-wan is very slowly pivoting to the north as it
moves away from Anatahan, and is expected to continue to intensify
through tonight and Saturday as it turns north-northeast toward
Agrihan and Pagan, likely becoming a typhoon later tonight. The
latest forecast shows Choi-wan as a Category 1 typhoon as it
passes just west of Pagan and moves near or over Agrihan, sometime
Saturday afternoon, and a Typhoon Warning has been issued for
Agrihan and Pagan. During this time, the wind field will continue
to expand slightly, exposing Tinian and Saipan to tropical storm
conditions a little longer, possibly into late Saturday night.
While showers have tapered a little earlier in the day, the
intense rainbands that pummeled Guam and Rota earlier this
morning are now being pulled toward Tinian and Saipan, with
additional heavy showers and thunderstorms expected tonight.
Instruction:
Stay indoors during heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind
conditions associated with Tropical Storm Choi-wan (26W). Heed the
advice of your local emergency managers and officials, and
continue to monitor forecasts by the National Weather Service
office in Tiyan, Guam. Remain in sturdy shelter until the all-
clear is given.
Preparations for Tropical Storm Choi-wan should be complete.
Remain in suitable shelter, such as a cave or sturdy concrete
structure. Shelter in place until the all-clear is given.
.WIND INFORMATION...
North to northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph will turn toward the
southeast and increase tonight as Choi-wan slowly pivots north-
northeast toward the northern CNMI and strengthens, potentially
becoming a typhoon later tonight to the west of Alamagan.
Tropical storm force winds of 39 to 50 mph look to continue
through Sunday. Winds are expected to increase to strong tropical
storm-force of 58 to 65 mph for Alamagan and Pagan late tonight,
then sometime Saturday morning for Agrihan. Typhoon force winds
greater than 74 mph are expected for Pagan and Agrihan during time
of closest passage on Saturday in the late morning to early
afternoon for Pagan, and Saturday afternoon to evening for
Agrihan. Typhoon conditions remain possible for Alamagan, but are
not expected at this time.
.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION...
Hazardous surf of 8 to 12 feet along east and south-facing reefs
are expected to continue, to then spread along north and west-
facing reefs as the center moves north-northeast parallel to the
northern CNMI tonight through Saturday night, increasing by
several feet during this time. As Choi-wan continues to
strengthen, surf will continue to increase, likely becoming
dangerous by early next week. Significant coastal erosion and some
coastal inundation is expected during Choi-wan's passage.
.OTHER STORM EFFECTS...
Periods of rain, widespread heavy showers and scattered
thunderstorms are expected through tonight, which is expected to
produce rainfall totals of 8 to 14 inches by early Monday morning,
with up to 20 inches of rainfall possible near the center of the
system.
Area Description:
Tinian; Saipan
Forcast Office:
NWS Tiyan GU
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov