Super Typhoon Bavi has made its closest point of approach to Guam, and the island remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1. All military bases remain in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 1. Remain indoors and off the roads until COR 4 is announced.
Although Bavi continues to pull away from the Marianas, tropical storm force conditions are expected to continue overnight, departing sometime in the early morning hours.
For Guam, sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph, will continue to decrease through tonight. Additional rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible.
Stay out of the water and away from shorelines until conditions improve. Life-threatening surf and dangerous marine conditions are expected to continue through Thursday.
GWA Urges Immediate Island-Wide Water Conservation Amid Restoration Efforts
Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) crews have begun assessing all accessible points within the water distribution system and wastewater system. GWA is aware of multiple areas reporting low to no water pressure in Agana Heights, Barrigada, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Dededo, Mangilao, Sinajana and Yona.
GWA and the Guam Power Authority are making assessments to address power issues affecting water and wastewater services. System adjustments are being performed to restore pressure in some areas where booster pumps and wells may have tripped offline. Customers are reminded that outages and instances of low to no pressure will occur in the restoration process as system adjustments performed at wells, pump stations, and reservoirs to respond to power loss, fluctuations, refueling, or generator maintenance.
With restoration efforts underway, GWA is seeking voluntary compliance with special water conservation measures from homes and business establishments island-wide. As GWA works to restore reservoir levels and system pressure, the community is advised to practice strict water conservation during this time by refraining from washing vehicles and pressure washing activities. GWA inspectors are on standby to visit homes and businesses to seek compliance with special water conservation measures.
In accordance with 28 GAR § 2103(i): Whenever, in the opinion of GWA and in the interest of the public, special conservation measures are advisable to forestall water shortage and a consequent emergency, GWA may restrict the use of water by any reasonable method of control.
Customers are urged to contact GWA dispatch by calling (671) 646-4211 or emailing dispatch@guamwaterworks.org to report any water issues like low to no water pressure, and wastewater issues like backups and sewer overflows.
GPA Update
As of 5:00 p.m. today, the following is Guam Power Authority’s (GPA) current status of the Island-Wide Power System (IWPS) and other power-related updates:
Guam's IWPS did not experience a system blackout; however, main transmission lines powering the southern part of the island went down, with no power currently servicing the south.
GPA has about 20% of distribution feeders online, and most transmission lines powering the northern part of Guam is intact.
GPA’s Dededo Combustion Turbine (CT) 1 & 2 units continue to supply power to northern loads, including Andersen Air Force Base and Camp Blaz Marine Base, Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH), and Tumon row underground systems.
Manengon diesel unit#1 and Ukudu gas turbine (GT) unit #3 remain operational throughout the storm, delivering power to the remaining load and feeders online.
All other GPA power plant units were secured as loads decreased throughout the duration of the storm.
GPA does not anticipate any generation capacity shortage and plans to restore power service using the remaining base load and reserve units.
GPA is aware of multiple outages caused by strong winds and gusts, including down transmission lines affecting most customers. Crews are prepared to immediately begin key assessments and restoration efforts as soon as winds decrease to safe levels. GPA crews continue to work 12-16 hours per day once restoration begins.
Initial priorities of our GPA crews include working on transmission lines to energize all substations and address all water well issues.
GPA asks the public to please stay away from all downed or low-hanging power lines and equipment, assume it is energized, and can cause harm if you come in contact with the lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life-threatening. If such conditions are present, please immediately report this to GPA’s 24-hour Trouble Dispatch at 671 475-1472/3/4 or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page.
GBHWC Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Visit the following links for the latest information:
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NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
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NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
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GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
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GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
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JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam
For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10