Disaster authorities in the Marianas are urging residents to prepare for Typhoon Wutip, which is expected to make its presence felt in the Northern Marianas late Sunday morning as it passes close to neighbouring Guam.
Typhoon Wutip hovers over Micronesia. 22 February 2019. Photo: earth.nullschool.net
The US National Weather Service said the typhoon continues to intensify and Wutip's maximum sustained winds have increased to 160 kph.
It is forecast to intensify through Friday night.
Typhoon-force winds extend outward from the centre up to 56 kilometres while tropical storm force winds extend outward from the centre up to 265 kms south of the centre and 185 kms north.
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are currently under tropical storm watch, which means damaging winds over 60 kph or more are possible within the next 48 hours.
Families still living in tents due to Super Typhoon Yutu are being encouraged to pack them down as a precaution from the incoming storm.
The Kagman Emergency Shelter Facility has been officially opened and is accepting residents requiring immediate shelter. Several facilities remain on standby should the need for more shelters arise.
People are being advised to remain cautious and avoid shorelines until conditions improve.
Authorities said all inter-island travel should be avoided until winds and seas have subsided.
Schools and government offices also closed early this afternoon on Guam as the unseasonable typhoon continues to churn its way across Micronesian waters.
Guam's government also urged residents to prepare.
Warnings have also been issued for Yap and Chuuk in Federated States of Micronesia however the Tropical Storm Warning for Faraulep in Yap State is cancelled.
The latest warnings on Typhoon Wutip can be accessed here.
Tropical Storm Wutip tracking map from Guam's met service Photo: WFO Guam