The National Weather Service in Guam is warning Northern Mariana residents to prepare for damaging winds to arrive today as Tropical Storm Champi continues its west-north-west path to the islands.
Tropical Storm Champi Photo: SUPPLIED
Champi has been moving in a west-north-westerly direction about 800 kilometres east of Saipan.
The weather serrvice says tropical storm force conditions are possible on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and typhoon force conditions are possible across the Northern Islands within the next 48 hours.
As a precaution, the CNMI government is urging residents to secure loose objects around the house.
Our correspondent says residents living in tents, damaged homes or homes with compromised safety are strongly encouraged to take precautionary measures and to anticipate heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.
At the beginning of August Saipan was hit by Typhoon Soudelor causing huge damage on the island.
The National Weather Service in Guam says at 7pm last night local time, Champi was located about 1,142.63 kilometres east-southeast of Agrihan, 1,054 kilometres east-southeast of Pagan, and 1,054 kilometres east of Saipan.
According to the weather bulletin issued by the CNMI Emergency Operations Centre, Tropical Storm Champi is moving west-northwest at 32 kilometres per hour.
