Connectivity to the Mt. Alutom communications tower on Guam was restored Thursday, July 9, 2026, improving VHF radio coverage in part of the region. The VHF towers on Rota and Saipan remain offline. The Rota Emergency Operations Center has informed the U.S. Coast Guard that the VHF tower on Rota was damaged by Super Typhoon Bavi, further limiting near-shore VHF radio coverage.
Multiple navigational aids are reportedly discrepant, off station, or missing. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and reminds all operators to exercise extreme caution when transiting waterways as restoration efforts continue.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to ask the following of the public:
- Report any emergency on VHF Channel 16 or by calling 911. Social media is not monitored for distress. Significant VHF outages persist, so carry more than one way to call for help.
- Trust official sources for reopening and safety updates: the National Weather Service Guam, Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, and the CNMI EOC State Warning Point.
- Use extreme caution in the water and around jetties, piers, and docks. A High Surf Advisory, High Rip Current Risk, and Small Craft Advisory remain in effect. Even as conditions improve, extreme caution is advised as responders continue storm recovery efforts.
Current National Weather Service Advisories
The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam advises that several marine and coastal hazards remain in effect across the Marianas:
The High Surf Advisory remains in effect until 4:00 a.m. ChST Sunday, July 12, for north-, south-, and west-facing reefs of the Marianas. Large breaking waves around 10 feet are expected in the surf zone. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, as well as localized beach erosion, are possible.
The High Rip Current Risk remains in effect through late Saturday night, July 11, for north-, south-, and west-facing reefs of the Marianas. Rip currents will be life-threatening and can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 4:00 a.m. ChST Sunday, July 12, for Marianas coastal waters. Seas of 8 to 11 feet will continue to create hazardous conditions for small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions.
NWS advises hazardous surf and dangerous rip currents will continue at least until early Sunday morning. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official forecasts and advisories issued by the National Weather Service Guam.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Community members may call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Visit the following links for the latest 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/
- JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam
- JTF-M Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Joint-Task-Force-Micronesia-61561148861855/