According to the latest statement from the National Weather Service, issued at 7:16 a.m. ChST, Sunday, May 21, 2023:
“At 7 a.m. ChST … the center of Tropical Storm Mawar was located near Latitude 6.4 degrees North and Longitude 149.1 degrees East.
“Mawar is moving north-northwest at 5 mph. It is expected to maintain this general course with a slight increase in forward speed over the next 24 hours.
“Maximum sustained winds have increased to 50 mph. Mawar is forecast to intensify through tonight possibly becoming a typhoon.
“Tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 65 miles.”
As of 7 a.m., Mawar was located:
About 570 miles south-southeast of Guam
About 595 miles south-southeast of Rota
About 640 miles south-southeast of Tinian
About 645 miles south-southeast of Saipan
The CNMI remains under Typhoon Condition III, as declared by Gov. Arnold Palacios Saturday night.
Guam remains under Condition of Readiness 3, as declared by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero earlier Saturday.
Civil defense officials in both territories are encouraging residents of both the CNMI and Guam to secure their homes now, and stock up on emergency supplies and food.
National Weather Service meteorologist Landon Aydlett has emphasized the track and trajectory of the storm can bring typhoon-strength winds and rains to any of the main islands of the Marianas.
