Hurricane (Typhoon) — Northern Marianas, Guam

2009-09-15 to 2009-09-16 · Northern Marianas, Guam

Wider weather episode

Tropical Depression 15W developed from a disturbance about 700 miles east of Guam on the 12th of September, and quickly intensified into Typhoon Choi-wan on the 13th. Moving steadily west-northwest toward the far northern Marianas, Choi-wan became a super typhoon just before passing directly over Alamagan Island at about 1600 GST on the afternoon of September 15th with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph.

On Alamagan, all six wood-and-tin residential structures were destroyed, and the 14 residents were left without food or water. Supplies were airlifted in by helicopter on the morning of the 17th, and a family of six, including a baby born on the 13th, was evacuated to Saipan for medical evaluation. One young girl sustained minor injuries. The remaining eight residents were evacuated on the 29th. Total damage is estimated at $25,000.

On Agrihan, about 75 miles north of Alamagan, winds peaking at an estimated 75 mph caused relatively minor damage to the two houses and to crops. The island's four residents were unharmed, and declined evacuation. Total damage is estimated at $5,000.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 197872. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.