Sinlaku upgraded to supertyphoon; Threat veers toward Tinian and Saipan
- Admin
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Guam in COR 2; emergency shelters open; flights canceled
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
(Updated 11:30 p.m.)
Sinlaku has been upgraded to a super typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and maximum gusts of 184 mph, according to the latest update from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Sinlaku's threat has now shifted to Tinian and Saipan, which could "potentially experience the strongest of Super Typhoon Sinlaku," according to the National Weather Service’s Facebook at 10:30 p.m.
“After several northward shifts in the track the past 24 hours, the latest track shows Sinlaku crossing through the Marianas just south of Tinian Tuesday afternoon/evening,” NWS said.
The storm's center was earlier forecast to pass between Rota and Tinian at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday.
"The tracking shift has continued to reduce the overall threat of typhoon conditions over Guam and has reduced the threat of Rota seeing the worst of a Category 4 typhoon (but not entirely)," NWS said.
Since Guam is well south of the track of Sinlaku's powerful super typhoon winds, NWS said only tropical storm conditions are expected for the island.
"Rota should expect typhoon conditions, whereas Tinian and Saipan could see the strongest of Sinlaku's winds," NWS said.
Sinlaku, located approximately 398 nautical miles east-southeast of Guam, has tracked northwestward at 08 knots over the past six hours, JTWC said.
Guam is now under Condition of Readiness 2, while military installations across the island are under Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 2 as of 5 p.m. today, signaling the opening of emergency shelters in preparation for Typhoon Sinlaku.
In the CNMI, Gov. David Apatang declared Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Tropical Storm Condition for Pagan and Alamagan.
At noon today, Brandon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the NWS, said: “The outlook is still for continued intensification. Track shifts are still anticipated as we go through the next 36 hours."
Joint Task Force Micronesia is postured and integrated with local and federal partners to respond as requested by the appropriate authority, according to the Joint Information Center.
“We are prepared to support civil authorities with professionalism, transparency, and unity of effort as conditions evolve,” JIC said.
Earlier today:
Read typhoon-related advisories here.
At 6 p.m. the Guam Department of Education opened seven emergency shelters:
Northern: Astumbo Elementary School, Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School and Machananao Elementary School
Central: George Washington High School
Southern: Talo’fo’fo Elementary School, Merizo Martyrs Elementary and Inarajan Middle School
Bus Transportation:
In coordination with the Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health and Social Services, bus transportation will be activated to support evacuation efforts. Transportation will be available this evening:
7 p.m.: Bus departing Academy Gym to GW
7 p.m.: Bus departing Tamuning Mayor’s Office to Maria Ulloa
Shelter Support:
Essential food commodities are being delivered by the Department of Public Health and Social Services to all shelters for individuals who arrived without supplies.
Public Health Community Health Centers Preparation:
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Northern and Southern Region Community Health Centers will remain open. Regular appointments will be rescheduled. Available services include:
Non-emergency and urgent but stable care
Basic medical and nursing services
Oxygen support (patients must bring their own equipment; one companion allowed)
Patient reminders:
Pharmacy services will be closed (emergency medications only)
Bring insurance information
Bring all medications, medical supplies, food, water, and clothing for up to 3 days
Services are first-come, first-served; delays may occur
Updated Flight Status:
The Guam International Airport Authority remains open. The following cancellations have been announced:
Arrivals:
The GBHWC Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Visit the following links for the latest information:
NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam
JTF-M Facebook: https:www.facebook.com/1CdEchVcDs/
