JIC Release No. 1 - Guam to Move to COR 3 at 5 pm; Tropical Depression Continues toward the Marianas - GHS OCD

Governor Eddie Calvo and Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, commander, Joint Region Marianas, anticipate placing Guam and the respective military bases in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at 5 p.m. this afternoon. At COR 3, damaging winds of 39-57 mph are expected within 48 hours.

The National Weather Service (NWS) – Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a tropical storm watch for Guam and Rota as Tropical Depression 34W moves toward the Marianas. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible within the next 48 hours.

As of 1 p.m., the tropical depression was located 5.0 degrees north latitude and 155.1 degrees east longitude; about 280 miles southeast of Chuuk and 915 miles southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.

The tropical depression is expected to continue in this direction with a gradual increase in forward speed possibly becoming a tropical storm tonight. On its current track, the closest point if approach to Guam is around 200 miles southwest on Thursday afternoon as a typhoon.

The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible on Thursday. The maximum sustained wind prediction for Guam is 35-40 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches is possible during its passage but this could be higher or lower depending on the storm’s track.

Currently, possible impact for Guam is some downed limbs and vegetation, power lines can be affected, very light materials/signs can be blown around, tarps and canopies need to be well-secured, and moderate to strong rip currents are expected.

Mother Nature can be unpredictable so take some time to clear your yard and take other steps to prepare just in case the storm takes a northward turn. Those planning outdoor activities for Thanksgiving are advised to have plans in place to move indoors. Mariners should be prepared to secure craft if hazardous seas build.

To prepare for any scenario, residents and visitors are advised to:

Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change and advisories regarding dangerous seas may be issued.
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.
Clear loose debris and vegetation around your yard.
Safely secure any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as wooden signs, canopies, tarps or trampolines, before inclement weather arrives.
Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear.
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, 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: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
Governor Calvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/
Joint Region Marianas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600 or (671) 482-7019.

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.

JIC Release No. 1 - Guam to Move to COR 3 at 5 pm; Tropical Depression Continues toward the Marianas