Super Typhoon Yutu has passed over the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, and moving to the northwest. According
to the National Weather Service, the sustained winds in the eyewall was
180mph.
The power is out on Tinian, and communications is spotty, mostly through
satellite phones. Saipan has some power and communications. Some social
media posting from mobile phones on Saipan. The CNMI EOC building is
operating.
FEMA has 110 people on the islands, still deployed from previous typhoons.
Currently, Saipan airport is closed due to damage and debris. Restoring
service at the airport is a priority, because that's how disaster relief
supplies will arrive. Seas in the area still have 20-foot waves.
The US Coast Guard will start the airlift of supplies from Guam to CNMI as
soon as the Saipan runways are cleared.
