NWS Advisories in Effect for the Marianas; Practice Caution While Traveling in Rainy Conditions

The National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam has the following advisories in effect:

A short term forecast was issued for Guam, Rota, and their coastal waters. Now through 1:30 p.m., moderate to heavy showers and a few thunderstorms will move across Guam and adjacent waters, and southern Rota waters. Between half an inch to an inch of rain is possible. Lower visibility and gusty winds are expected in these showers. Occasional lightning is also expected in these thunderstorms. Mariners should anticipate visibility down to half a mile at times.

If driving, be alert for lower visibility and ponding of water on roadways. Boaters are advised to be aware of gusty winds and choppy seas during heavy showers. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, get indoors or inside a vehicle, boaters should get below deck, and do not touch metal parts.

A small craft advisory remains in effect for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, until 6 p.m. this evening. East winds of 20 knots with frequent gusts up to 25 knots are expected making conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions.

A high risk of rip currents remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through tonight. Life threatening rip currents are expected for east facing reefs of the Marianas. The community is reminded to swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Large breaking waves can knock people down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents can drag people out to sea.

A fire weather watch remains in effect for Guam through this afternoon. A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Sustained winds at 20 mph, with gusts to 30 mph are expected.

Although showers will bring some wetting rains to much of central and northern Guam, the far south remains a bit drier and slightly more susceptible to quick-starting and fast-spreading fires. The combination of strong winds and 55 to 60 % humidity will create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of wildfires. The highest threat is expected for the southern part of Guam, mainly along and south of Cross Island Road. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) advise residents and visitors to avoid hazardous seas. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs. Practice caution while traveling on the roadways.

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.