11 Oct 2023 | 09:16 AM UTC
West Pacific Ocean: Super Typhoon Bolaven tracking north-northwestward, moving away from the Northern Marianas Islands, as of Oct. 11 /update 4
Typhoon Bolaven tracking north-northwestward in West Pacific Ocean Oct. 11. Storm now moving away from the Northern Marianas Islands.
Event
Super Typhoon Bolaven is tracking north-northwestward in the West Pacific Ocean as of Oct. 11, having passed through the Northern Mariana Islands Octt. 10-early Oct. 11. As of 16:00 ChST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 765 km (475 miles) south-southeast of Iwo To, Japan.
Forecast models indicate the system will maintain super typhoon strength as it tracks north-northwestward and then northeastward away from the Northern Mariana Islands and south of the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, Oct. 12-13, before weakening as it tracks generally northeastward into the North Pacific Ocean through Oct. 16. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
The US National Weather Service is maintaining high surf warnings and advisories, hazardous sea warnings, and small craft advisories for coastal areas and surrounding waters of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as of Oct. 11. Authorities will likely update or rescind existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.
Federal authorities have approved the Northern Marianas Islands' request for an emergency declaration. Around 117 people in the Northern Mariana Islands and 437 people across Guam have evacuated to public shelters due to the storm. Damage assessments are ongoing across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as of Oct. 11; initial reports indicate no major damage or casualties have occurred. Authorities in Rota have confirmed that the entire island was without power as of the afternoon of Oct. 10; restoration work is ongoing. Delays are ongoing for United Airlines (UA) flights between Guam and Saipan Oct. 11. Port authorities in Guam resumed operations at the island's ports Oct. 11 and schools are due to reopen Oct. 12; other services across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are beginning to resume normal operations following the passing of the storm.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger additional localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also likely to persist. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
