Tropical Storm Higos moved west of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Tuesday, but the National Weather Service maintained a Tropical Storm Warning for Saipan and Tinian as damaging winds and hazardous seas continued to affect both the islands and surrounding coastal waters.
Tropical Storm Higos, designated 08W by the National Weather Service, was centered just west of the island chain as of the latest advisory, tracking away from the populated areas of Tinian and Saipan. Despite the storm’s departure from the immediate vicinity, the warning remains active through at least midnight tonight — a signal that forecasters do not consider conditions safe enough to stand down.
Two active alerts cover the region: one for the islands of Tinian and Saipan, and a separate alert for Tinian Coastal Waters and Saipan Coastal Waters. The dual coverage reflects continued threats both onshore and at sea.
Conditions on the water are particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service reports tropical storm force winds of 30 to 35 knots with gusts reaching 50 knots — wind speeds capable of generating hazardous seas that could capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility. Mariners in affected waters should remain in port until the warning is lifted.
A Tropical Storm Warning indicates sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots — 39 to 73 miles per hour — are expected or occurring, according to the National Weather Service. At those speeds, damaging winds can knock down trees, compromise structures, and turn unsecured objects into projectiles.
Residents of Tinian and Saipan are under instructions to remain sheltered in place. Local government and emergency management officials have not yet issued an all-clear, and the National Weather Service is advising people to stay indoors and continue monitoring official guidance until they do.
The westward track of Higos offers some reassurance. As the storm center moves away from the Mariana Islands, conditions are expected to gradually improve. However, tropical systems can maintain expansive wind fields well beyond their center, meaning the islands could continue experiencing tropical storm conditions for some time after the storm’s closest approach.
The National Weather Service will continue issuing local statements as Higos moves off. Residents and mariners in the affected area should not resume normal outdoor or maritime activities until officials formally lift the warning and issue an all-clear.