JIC Release No. 4 - System Upgraded to a Tropical Storm; Remain Indoors if Possible - GHS OCD

The National Weather Service (NWS) – Guam Weather Forecast Office continue to monitor what is now a tropical storm.

A tropical a tropical storm watch remains in effect for Guam and Rota, meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible within the next 24 hours.

Although Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at this time, the community is advised to take precautions by remaining indoors unless travel is necessary. Out of an abundance of caution, avoid outdoor activities, especially near the ocean until hazardous conditions subside.

As of 7 a.m., the tropical storm was located 11.6 degrees north latitude and 145.7 degrees east longitude, about 145 miles south-southeast of Guam and 180 miles south of Rota, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

The tropical storm’s closest point of approach to Guam is forecast around 1 p.m. today. Winds of 40 to 42 mph are possible between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., with 2-4 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts in heavy showers. Winds have already begun to pick up across southern Guam and will continue until later this afternoon.

Those Needing Emergency Shelter for the Day

Those residents whose homes are not made to withstand 40 mph winds are advised to seek emergency shelter at the Astumbo Gym Tier II shelter in Dededo, for the duration of the storm. For more information about the shelter, contact the Offices of Guam Homeland Security at (671) 478-0208 or (671) 475-9600.

Stay out of the water

A high surf advisory and high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 6 a.m. Monday. For Guam and Rota, hazardous surf of 7 to 9 feet along west and north facing reefs tonight will build to between 9 to 12 feet along north, east and west facing reefs today. The risk of rip currents is high. Avoid venturing near reefs and beaches, especially those facing west. Large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Strong rip currents will be life threatening.

A small craft advisory is in effect for Guam and Rota coastal waters until 6 a.m. Monday, producing winds and waves hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

Prepare for any scenario
In the event the current forecast track shifts northward, bringing southern Guam in the vicinity of damaging winds, take basic precautionary actions especially for those living in flood prone areas:

·Remain indoors and off the roadways unless travel is necessary
·If travel is necessary, practice extreme caution on the roads by allowing ample braking distance between vehicles
·Ensure family members know where the emergency preparedness kits are at. Visithttps://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for more information on what to include in your supplies list
·Roll up carpets away from doors and windows
·Unplug appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off if damaging winds are expected
·Stay up to date in the event there are changes in Conditions of Readiness

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action:
·Clear drainage areas and un-block clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the chance of flooding
·Residents living near rivers and streams should be prepared to take action if flooding occurs
·Once heavy rains occur, avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away
·If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground
·If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
·Avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
·Visit https://www.ready.gov/floods to learn more.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:
·         NWS Website: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
·         NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
·         GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
·         GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
·         Governor Calvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/
·         Joint Region Marianas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600 or (671) 482-7019.

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.

JIC Release No. 4 - System Upgraded to a Tropical Storm; Remain Indoors if Possible