By Pacific Island Times News Staff The National Weather Service today raised its advisory from typhoon alert to typhoon warning, advising Guam and Northern Mariana Islands residents to shelter in place by sunset on Sunday. Guam and the CNMI entered Condition of Readiness tonight. Weather forecasters have detected showers and thunderstorms building across coastal waters east of Guam as outer rainbands begin to wrap into the region. Saipan has received just under half an inch o

The call for urgent preparation comes as President Donald J. Trump approved the CNMI’s request for an emergency declaration on July 3, authorizing FEMA to provide emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance across Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands.

President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Guam as Typhoon Bavi rapidly intensified overnight, becoming a Category 5 super typhoon at 7 a.m. today.