Shelters on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to Open on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 3:00pm

Tropical Storm 09W, now named Tropical Storm Bavi, is expected to continue strengthening as it moves toward the Mariana Islands. Current forecasts indicate a track that could bring significant impacts to the CNMI beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday. In preparation for the anticipated threat, shelters on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will open on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ChST. The available shelters are as follows:

Saipan:

Kagman High School

Marianas High School

Koblerville Elementary School

Tinian:

Tinian Head Start

Tinian Elementary School

Rota:

Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School

STRONG (Sustainment of Temporary Resilience & Operational Needs on Ground) tents and temporary roof repairs are not designed to withstand tropical storm or typhoon-force winds. Residents currently in STRONG tents or under temporary roofing are strongly urged to relocate to designated shelters or to structurally sound, elevated concrete buildings.

The CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office (HSEM) advises residents to dismantle STRONG tents before weather conditions worsen, follow the official guide available at bit.ly/strongtentmanual. Vulnerable individuals who identified special needs will be contacted directly and offered assistance. Individuals residing in low-lying areas, in homes compromised by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, or those unsure about the safety of their current housing are also encouraged to move to safer locations before conditions deteriorate.

Residents requiring shelter assistance should proceed to the shelter nearest their residence. Those seeking shelter should be prepared to:

● Bring essential items, including bedding, food, and drinking water, important documents

● Present a valid form of identification upon entry

● Limit belongings to essential items only, due to limited shelter space and capacity

Weapons, alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking materials, and pets are not allowed in shelters, except for service animals. Individuals who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will not be admitted.

Residents needing transportation to designated shelters may call the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority (COTA) at the numbers listed below for assistance. Please note that passengers are limited to one carry-on item per person (e.g., small luggage or duffel bag).

Saipan, Tinian, and Rota: EOC State Warning Point: (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000

Latest Forecast Guidance

At 1:00 PM ChST on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the center of Tropical Storm 09W (Bavi) was located near 11.2N 159.7E. The tropical cyclone is moving west-northwest around 15 mph and is expected to slightly decrease its forward speed through Friday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 60 mph and the storm is forecast to continue to increase in strength through tonight. The storm is currently located around 1,015 miles east of Guam, 995 miles east of Rota, 980 miles east of Tinian, and 975 miles east of Saipan.

At this time, no tropical cyclone watches or warnings are in effect, but that may change as the forecast becomes more certain. Residents should continue to use this time to:

● Secure or bring inside loose outdoor items such as trash cans, patio furniture, tools, toys, signs and tarps.

● Check and protect windows, doors and roofs as much as possible before weather conditions worsen.

● Charge phones, power banks, flashlights, and make sure spare batteries are available.

● Fill vehicles and approved fuel containers with fuel.

● Stock water, nonperishable food and medications needed for several days.

● Place important documents, identification, cash and critical paperwork in a waterproof bag or container.

● Review family emergency plans, including where household members will shelter, how they will communicate and what they will do if power or water service is interrupted.

● If living in a weak structure or low-lying area, think ahead now about where to go if conditions worsen.

● Check on elderly relatives, neighbors and others who may need assistance.

The CNMI Joint Information Center reminds the community:

Do not wait until a watch or warning or conditions to be set to begin preparing, because forecasts can tighten quickly and winds can ramp up fast.

Do not assume the track is fixed; the system is still evolving as a developing threat.

Residents are encouraged to rely on official information sources and avoid making decisions based solely on unofficial graphics, weather apps or social media speculation.

For official updates, monitor announcements from the CNMI Joint Information Center. For the latest information, follow the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office and CNMI Joint Information Center on Facebook (@cnmigovernor) and Instagram (@governorcnmi), as well as the National Weather Service Guam on Facebook (@NWSGuam) or online at weather.gov/gum