By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Barely recovering from typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are bracing for yet another storm forecast to pass through the region this weekend.
Tropical Depression 29W has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Champi, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour, and is expected to continue intensifying into a typhoon before passing through the Marianas.
Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan remain under a typhoon watch, indicating the possibility of typhoon-force winds of at least 74 mph within the next 48 hours.
"Residents of the Marianas are encouraged to continue storm preparations for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous seas and surf this weekend," reads the latest advisory from the National Weather Service issued at 2 a.m. Friday. "Heed the advice of local government officials and emergency management agencies."
Guam and the CNMI are under Condition of Readiness 3.