Tropical Storm Cimaron has prompted the closure of all government offices and all public schools in the Northern Marianas.
Students on Saipan have been sent home because of the threat of a storm Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
Governor Ralph Torres upgraded the islands of Saipan and Tinian to Tropical Storm Condition II because of the threat of the storm.
Typhoon Condition II means destructive winds of 120 kilometres per hour are possible within the next 24 hours
The governor also ordered all government offices shut and all non-critical employees released to prepare for the storm.
The CNMI Public School System also said it would be releasing all students on Saipan and Tinian due to the bad weather conditions.
Public schools on Rota remain open.
Students on Saipan are sent home because of storm Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago