# Tropical Storm Warning for Saipan and Tinian Through Thursday Morning

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands — Newly named Tropical Storm Choi-wan is tracking west-northwest toward the far northern Mariana Islands tonight, and the National Weather Service office in Tiyan, Guam has placed Tinian and Saipan under a Tropical Storm Warning through Thursday morning local time.

## What is happening:

Forecasters named the system Choi-wan this evening. The storm's tropical-storm-force winds are expected to reach Saipan and Tinian within 24 hours, with the strongest winds possible tonight as the center moves toward the islands of Anatahan and Alamagan to the north. A separate Tropical Storm Warning covers the coastal waters around both islands, where southwest winds are running 25 to 35 knots with gusts as high as 55 knots and seas building to 11 to 16 feet. Farther north, Alamagan and Pagan remain under a Tropical Storm Warning plus a Typhoon Watch.

## Local impacts:

On land, expect tropical-storm conditions: damaging winds, heavy downpours, and dangerous surf along exposed coasts. On the water, forecasters warn that the very strong winds will churn up hazardous seas that could capsize or damage vessels and cut visibility — the earlier small-craft advisory was cancelled because conditions have escalated past it. A Flash Flood Watch also remains in effect for the islands as rounds of heavy rain move through.

## What to do:

- Stay inside sturdy shelter and remain there until the all-clear is given.

- Do not go out on the water — seas around Saipan and Tinian are dangerous for small craft and larger vessels alike.

- Secure loose outdoor items before the winds arrive tonight.

- Follow the guidance of local emergency managers and keep monitoring updates from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam.

*Source: National Weather Service, Tiyan Guam, September 30, 2026. Reported by TNW News.*