Tropical storm Bavi forces CNMI residents to take shelter

3:25 pm on 16 March 2015

Dozens of people in the Northern Marianas sought refuge in evacuation centres as Tropical Storm Bavi battered the territory on Sunday.

The tropical storm knocked down power lines and trees, and caused damage to some houses and structures, triggering island-wide power outages, and sending 166 people to the official shelters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota

Airlines cancelled their flights, all seaports were closed to vessels, and recreational dive sites and beaches were off limits due to strong currents and high surf.

All public schools were closed on Monday.

The U.S. National Weather Service said Bavi was moving west at 37 kilometres an hour last night with storm force winds of 63 kilometres an hour or greater expected through Monday morning.

Tropical storm Bavi is moving away from CNMI

Tropical storm Bavi is moving away from CNMI Photo: US National Weather Service satellite image