The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Tropical Storm Sinlaku, formerly known as Tropical Depression 04W, as it continues slowly toward the Marianas.
What to Expect
The latest forecast track from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center shows an intensifying system, with potential to reach Category 3 or 4 status, around 120 mph, at its center as it makes a very close approach passing near Guam Monday night into Tuesday. While it is still early to determine exact proximity to Guam, the impacts will be still be felt farther from the center as the large wind field envelops much of the Mariana Islands. With that said, there remains a significant threat of a powerful typhoon passing very close to Guam.
At this early time, damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible as early as Monday morning, with destructive typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more possible for Guam Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Furthermore, a slow-moving typhoon threatens to bring significant rainfall and flooding threats to the island.
Preparedness
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautionary actions:
- Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now such as clearing drainage areas and unblocking storm drains to minimize the potential for flooding;
- Stay up to date with the latest information;
- Clear loose debris around your yard and secure any items, such as tents and canopies, that could become airborne with heavy winds, before inclement weather arrives;
- Secure construction sites
- Take down signs such as political campaign signs
- Have an emergency kit prepared: Store enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies;
- Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;
- Review your emergency plan: If you do not have a plan, learn how to create an emergency plan; Have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities or a caregiver for elderly, you may need to take extra steps to plan for those additional needs.
For the latest advisory information, visit:
- 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 Public Information Officer Jenna Blas at (671) 475-9600 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.