Headline:
Tropical Storm Warning issued October 3 at 8:26AM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
October 2, 2026 - 3:26pm
Expires:
October 2, 2026 - 10:00pm
Description:
...TYPHOON CHOI-WAN MOVING NORTH AND SWINGING PAST PAGAN...
.NEW INFORMATION...
None.
.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 remains in effect for Alamagan, Agrihan and Pagan
in the CNMI.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan and
their adjacent waters in the CNMI.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Guam and the Northern
Marianas. Please listen closely for any 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 7 AM ChST, the center of Typhoon Choi-wan (26W) was located near
latitude 18.4N and longitude 144.9E. This was about 235 miles north-
northwest of Saipan, and about 55 miles west-southwest of Agrihan.
Storm motion was north, 10 degrees, at 6 mph with maximum sustained
winds of 85 mph. Choi-wan is expected to make a slight turn toward
the north- northeast with a slight increase in forward speed through
Sunday, passing to the west of Pagan shortly. Choi-wan is forecast to
intensify through tonight, becoming Category 2 as it passes Agrihan
today, then Category 3 tonight as it moves away.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Typhoon Choi-wan continues to intensify, and is expected to become a
Category 2 typhoon later today as it passes to the northwest of
Agrihan, with the wind field expected to expand a little more as
well. As such, a Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Alamagan,
Pagan and Agrihan. Due to the enhancement of the monsoon surge along
the southern peripheries of Choi-wan, this is expected to continue to
bring TS conditions to Tinian and Saipan the rest of today, as well
as heavy downpours and strong gusts occasionally exceeding 60 mph at
Guam and Rota.
Instruction:
Stay indoors during heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind
conditions associated with Typhoon 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.
Remain in suitable shelter, such as a cave or sturdy concrete
structure. Shelter in place until the all-clear is given.
.WIND INFORMATION...
Typhoon winds of 74 mph or more will continue for Alamagan, Agrihan
and Pagan into this afternoon as Choi-wan treks north through the
northern CNMI and strengthens further into a Category 2 and
eventually Category 3 typhoon. On either side of the typhoon-force
winds, tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph look to continue
through at least Sunday morning.
.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION...
Hazardous surf of 10 to 14 feet along north, south, and west facing
reefs are expected to continue as the center moves north, nearly
parallel to the northern CNMI through tonight, increasing by several
feet during the time of nearest passage. As Choi-wan continues to
strengthen, dangerous surf is likely along all reefs at all three
islands through at least Sunday. Significant coastal erosion and
some coastal inundation is expected during Choi-wan's passage.
.OTHER STORM EFFECTS...
Periods of torrential rain, widespread heavy showers and scattered
thunderstorms are expected through tonight, producing 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