Saipan Photo: Supplied
The Northern Marianas is bracing for Tropical Storm Yutu which is expected to become a Category 4 typhoon and pass within 50 kilometres of Saipan on Thursday evening.
The CNMI Governor Ralph Torres has issued warnings for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Significant wind is expected to hit Saipan and Tinian by late Wednesday night, while maximum sustained winds of up to 209 kilometres an hour are forecast for early Thursday morning.
Governor Torres has urged the people of the Marianas to be proactive, stay informed, and prepare for the worst.