Flood Advisory in Effect; Heavy Rainfall Possible through the Weekend

Special Note: With international media reports of outages for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) advise the community to use the following platforms for weather updates while this outage remains in place:

· NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/

· Contact NWS: (671) 472-0900

· Weather hotline: 211

· GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

· Contact GHS/OCD: (671) 478-0208

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a small stream flood advisory, in effect for Guam until 10 a.m. A band of heavy showers has moved across central Guam. One inch of rain has fallen and rain is expected to continue through this morning for all of Guam with impacts to flood prone and low-lying areas. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area resulting in minor flooding.

Some areas that experience flooding include Dededo, Tamuning, Yigo, Mangilao, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Barrigada, Yona, Agana Heights, Andersen AFB, Talofofo, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Sinajana, Inarajan, Asan, Merizo, Piti, Santa Rita, and Umatac.

The developing disturbance near Chuuk is expected to move toward the Marianas. While there remains uncertainty of the system’s intensity by the time it reaches the Marianas, heavy rainfall is expected to last through the weekend. Model guidance shows rainfall potential of 5 to 10 inches across the region, with locally heavier rainfall likely.

Excessive rainfall will cause localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Take the following preparedness actions now:

· Those living in flood-prone areas should take action; clear drainage areas and unblock clogged storm drains in your area to minimize flooding.

· Take action if flood advisories are issued. Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

· Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items such as tents and canopies that may become airborne with heavy winds before inclement weather arrives.

· Stay up to date with the latest information. The system track or intensity may change, and advisories may be issued.

· Locate or prepare your emergency preparedness kits for your household

· Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag.

· Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), with NWS, will continue to monitor all systems in the area and provide updates as needed.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

· NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/

· NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/

· GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

· GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.