Headline:
Tropical Storm Warning issued October 3 at 3:33AM ChST by NWS Tiyan GU
Event:
Tropical Storm Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
October 2, 2026 - 10:33am
Expires:
October 2, 2026 - 6:45pm
Description:
...CHOI-WAN UPGRADED TO TYPHOON TO THE WEST OF PAGAN, MOVING
NORTH...
...TYPHOON WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FOR ALAMAGAN IN THE CNMI...
.NEW INFORMATION...
Choi-wan (26W) was upgraded to a typhoon.
A Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Alamagan in the CNMI.
.AREAS AFFECTED...
This local statement provides information and recommended actions
for people on Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
.Watches/Warnings...
A Typhoon Warning is now in effect for Alamagan in the CNMI.
A Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Agrihan and Pagan in the
CNMI.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan
in the CNMI.
A Typhoon Warning means that typhoon conditions are expected,
including winds of 74 mph or more, with tropical storm force winds
beginning within 24 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions,
including winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within 24 hours.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan. Please listen
closely for any Flash Flood Warnings that might be in effect for
your area.
Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed
information about additional hazards.
.STORM INFORMATION...
At 1 AM ChST, the center of Typhoon Choi-wan (26W) was located
near latitude 18.0N, longitude 144.7E. This was about 70 miles
west of Pagan, 210 miles north-northwest of Saipan, and 310 miles
north of Guam. Storm motion was north, 360 degrees, at 9 mph.
Storm intensity was 80 mph.
.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
Typhoon Choi-wan has begun to intensify more rapidly, and the
typhoon force wind field has quickly come to encompass Alamagan
and Pagan, as the latest forecast has expanded typhoon winds
southward. So, a Typhoon Warning was issued for Alamagan,
maintaining the Typhoon Warnings in effect for Pagan and Agrihan.
Choi-wan is expected to make a slight turn toward the north-
northeast this morning with little change in forward speed
through Sunday, passing near to the west of Agrihan later
this morning or early this afternoon. As it does so, Choi-wan is
forecast to intensify through Sunday, becoming Category 2 as it
passes Agrihan Saturday, then Category 3 Saturday night as it
moves away. Intense rainbands wrapping into Choi-wan's center from
the south continue to pummel the Marianas as they are pulled
east to northeast, producing heavy downpours and strong gusts
exceeding 60 mph.
Instruction:
Stay indoors during heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind
conditions associated with Typhoon Choi-wan (26W). Heed the
advice of your local emergency managers and officials, and
continue to monitor forecasts by the National Weather Service
office in Tiyan, Guam. Remain in sturdy shelter until the all-
clear is given.
Remain in suitable shelter, such as a cave or sturdy concrete
structure. Shelter in place until the all-clear is given.
.WIND INFORMATION...
Typhoon winds of 74 mph or more will continue for Alamagan and
Pagan into this afternoon as Choi-wan moves north-northeast
through the northern CNMI and strengthens, arriving at Agrihan
later this morning. On either side of the typhoon-force winds,
tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 mph look to continue
through at least Sunday morning.
.COASTAL INUNDATION AND SURF INFORMATION...
Hazardous surf of 10 to 14 feet along north, south, and west
facing reefs are expected to continue as the center moves north-
northeast parallel to the northern CNMI through Saturday night,
increasing by several feet during the time of nearest passage. As
Choi-wan continues to strengthen, surf will continue to increase,
likely becoming dangerous Saturday and Sunday. Significant
coastal erosion and some coastal inundation is expected during
Choi-wan's passage.
.OTHER STORM EFFECTS...
Periods of rain, widespread heavy showers and scattered
thunderstorms are expected through tonight, which is expected to
produce rainfall totals of 8 to 14 inches by early Monday morning,
with up to 20 inches of rainfall possible near the center of the
system.
Area Description:
Tinian; Saipan
Forcast Office:
NWS Tiyan GU
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov