Thursday, 25 October 2018

Tropical storm on Sunday-Super Typhoon Yutu by Wednesday: Most intense storm to ever strike the Northern Mariana Islands (NASA)

Credit NOAA
Super Typhoon Yutu made landfall across Tinian and Saipan on Wednesday, dealing a catastrophic blow of damaging winds and torrential rainfall to both islands.
Yutu quickly strengthened from a tropical depression on Sunday into a super typhoon by Wednesday as it became the strongest tropical cyclone so far this year. Yutu will bring the continued risk for flooding, damaging winds and dangerous seas to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands into Thursday as the cyclone moves to the west.
A direct strike with winds over 240 km/h (150 mph) on Saipan and Tinian likely caused extensive damage to structures, downed trees and caused power outages.
This was the most intense storm to ever strike the Northern Mariana Islands, according to NASA. While Guam and Rota dodged the worst impacts, there can still be damaging winds across Rota and locally damaging winds across Guam into Thursday. Both islands will also endure frequent downpours capable of causing flooding and travel disruptions.
Prior to Yutu's arrival, residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were being urged to review typhoon preparation plans.
Residents should have these plans put into place due to the potential for disruptions to daily routines. After affecting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Yutu will continue on a west to northwest track into next week.

Hurricanes and cyclones

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