JIC Release No. 8 - Tropical Storm Warning in Effect for Guam; COR 2 Anticipated for 4 p.m. Today

Tropical Storm Warning in Effect for Guam; COR 2 Anticipated for 4 p.m. Today

The National Weather Service (NWS) - Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Tropical Storm Wutip. NWS has placed Guam in a Tropical Storm Warning as of 11 a.m. Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 3 at this time. Acting Governor Tenorio and Brig. Gen. Boswell anticipate placing Guam and the respective military bases in COR 2 at 4 p.m. today, February 22, 2019.

The Government of Guam will be operational until 1 p.m. this afternoon. All government of Guam non-essential employees that are not connected to emergency response are to be released at 1 p.m. today in anticipation of Typhoon Wutip. All government of Guam employees are advised to check in with their respective supervisors for further guidance.

All Guam Department of Education (GDOE) students are to be released from school before 1 p.m. The Guam Department of Public Works (DPW) is working with GDOE and all other non-aligned schools to accommodate bussing for students that have early dismissal.

All military bases remain open for normal operations. All DoD employees are advised to contact their respective supervisors or chains of command for accountability, guidance, and stay tuned to Joint Region Marianas and base installation social media pages for further reports, guidance, and information about facilities and services.

DoDEA Schools

DoDEA schools will close as normal Friday afternoon. Buses will run as scheduled with the exception of activity buses. All after school activities will be cancelled.

U.S. Naval Hospital

Open normal hours Friday. Main clinic closed Saturday.

Those whose homes are not made to withstand damaging winds are advised to stay up to date with important information regarding emergency shelters, which will be released shortly.

What to Expect with the Current Track

•    Winds and rain will start to pick up as early as Friday evening

•    The onset of damaging winds of 35-45 mph with possible gusts up to 60 mph are expected around 9 a.m. Saturday and are expected to last all the way through Sunday afternoon
 
•    The closest point of approach (CPA) is expected around early Sunday morning with the typhoon being 130-150 miles southwest of Guam at its CPA

•    The onset of sustained destructive winds of 58 mph or more are not expected at this time
•    The worst conditions will be Saturday night into Sunday morning
•    Rainfall of 6-8 inches is expected during Wutip’s passage

Although sustained destructive winds of 58 mph or more are not expected for Guam at this time, the community is reminded that sustained damaging winds of 35-45 are expected to last for a long time, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. Prepare for damaging winds for that extended amount of time.

Take Precautionary Actions Now

Indoors:

•    Roll up carpets away from doors and windows
•    Make lighting supplies easily accessible

•    Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach (forecast to be by Saturday morning)

•    Locate or prepare your emergency preparedness kits for your household; stock up on non-perishable food items and water for your household, flashlights, first-aid kits, batteries, matches or lighters, portable stove, toiletries, etc. Visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for more information on what to include in your supplies list.

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

•    If you live in an area prone to flooding, cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage
•    Stay up to date in the event there are changes in weather conditions
•    Do your laundry now

Outdoors:

•    Secure your home – put shutters on windows, completely board up your home if windows cannot withstand damaging winds

•    Ensure the gas valve is shut off once damaging winds approach (forecast to be by Saturday morning)

•    Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives

•    Clear vegetation

•    Take down any temporary signs, advertisements, and any other wooden or loosely placed items as these have the ability to lift in heavy winds and cause damage to life and property

•    Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear

Guam Power Authority Advisory

The Guam Power Authority is watching for all weather conditions that might impact the island wide power system. Strong, gusty winds can cause power outages. GPA has crews prepared to handle any service disruptions in a safe and efficient manner. GPA further advises customers to report vegetation or fallen tree limbs on power lines and all fallen power lines. Downed power lines may be energized and are dangerous. If you identify a hazard that needs to be addressed; or to report a power outage, customers can call GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch Desk at (671) 475-1472/3/4, or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority).



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The Guam Power Authority (GPA) advises all residents to clear loose debris and outdoor items. If blown into nearby power lines, these items will damage the lines, cause power outages or even potential life threatening situations if power is still energized or “live.”

If such items are in contact with power lines or equipment, immediately report the situation to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch Desk at (671) 475-1472/3/4, or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority).

Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location. Do not under any circumstance attempt to remove items off of power lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life threatening. GPA reminds the public that all fallen or downed power lines should be considered energized or “live” and you should not attempt to make contact with the downed lines to avoid severe injury or death.

Be Prepared for Flooding:

•    A flash flood watch is in effect for Guam and Rota from Friday afternoon through Monday, meaning conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

•    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 now to minimize the chance of flooding.

•    Once inclement weather arrives as early as Saturday, 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: 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/
•    Joint Region Marianas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600.