Super typhoon Yutu strikes U.S. territories of Guam and CNMI

[sean at donelan.com (Sean Donelan)]

Super Typhoon Yutu has passed over the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, and moving to the northwest. According 
to the National Weather Service, the sustained winds in the eyewall was 
180mph.

The power is out on Tinian, and communications is spotty, mostly through 
satellite phones.  Saipan has some power and communications. Some social 
media posting from mobile phones on Saipan.  The CNMI EOC building is 
operating.

FEMA has 110 people on the islands, still deployed from previous typhoons.

Currently, Saipan airport is closed due to damage and debris. Restoring 
service at the airport is a priority, because that's how disaster relief 
supplies will arrive.  Seas in the area still have 20-foot waves.
The US Coast Guard will start the airlift of supplies from Guam to CNMI as 
soon as the Saipan runways are cleared.