Island-Wide Outage: CNMI Shelters in Place as "Monster" Typhoon Sinlaku Closes In

Saipan and Tinian face sustained winds of up to 156mph as Super Typhoon Sinlaku nears. Over 300 residents are in shelters and 400 tourists remain stranded.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Current Situation

As of 8:00 am local time on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Typhoon Condition 1 remains in effect. Utility crews have been forced to stand down due to extreme wind and rain, with restoration efforts on hold until conditions subside to safe levels.

Wind Forecast (US National Weather Service Guam):

Saipan & Tinian: Predicted Category 4 conditions. Sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 200 mph.

Rota: Expected Category 1 conditions.

Pagan & Alamagan: Tropical Storm Condition 1 remains in place.