JIC Release No. 6 - Guam in COR 2; Damaging Winds Expected Thursday Morning - GHS OCD

Guam is now in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2.

In the interest of public safety, and as a precautionary and proactive measure, Governor Eddie Baza Calvo has placed Guam in COR 2 as of 8 p.m. In conference with Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, commander, Joint Region Marianas, only the Government of Guam will be in COR 2. Military installations on the island will remain in COR 3.

The decision to move the Government of Guam into COR 2 is based on the criteria of the onset of 39 mph damaging winds threshold; versus military installations whose decision is based on the criteria of the onset of 54 mph threshold destructive winds. Our military partners remain ready to support the island.

Based on its current track, and National Weather Service modeling, Southern Guam can expect sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph beginning on or around 10 a.m.

By 12 p.m. most of Guam can expect sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph.

By late-afternoon, Tropical Storm Man-Yi should be moving westward and away from Guam, ending tropical storm force winds on the island.

COR 2 means damaging strength winds are possible within 24 hours. As of 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Man-Yi was located 7.74 degrees north latitude and 149.1 degrees east longitude, about 495 miles southeast of Guam. Man-Yi is moving west-northwest at 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

Tropical Storm Man-Yi is expected to make its closest approach around noon on Thursday, about 179 miles southwest of Guam.

The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph or more for Guam is likely Thursday morning into the afternoon. At this time, maximum sustained winds predicted for Guam are 35 – 40 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Guam is not expecting to receive destructive winds or typhoon force winds at this time. Rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches are possible during its passage. Sea conditions will be hazardous Thursday with 10-13 foot surf expected. The worst sea conditions are expected on the southeast side. Coastal inundation is expected for Ipan, Talofofo, Inarajan, and possibly Pago Bay.

Possible impact for Guam is some downed limbs and vegetation, some affected power lines and moderate to strong life-threatening rip currents.

Take Preparedness Actions Before Damaging Winds Arrive

Stay up to date – monitor local news, National Weather Service and the Joint Information Center
If your home and windows are not made to withstand damaging winds of 35 – 45 mph, put shutters up and board your home before 10 a.m. Thursday, when damaging winds are expected. Do not wait for winds to increase later tomorrow morning.
If you have not done so, clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before 10 a.m. Thursday, when damaging winds are expected.
Keep emergency preparedness kit readily available, with battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag
Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach
If you live in an area prone to flooding, cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage
Do your laundry now
Ensure pets are part of your emergency plans (i.e. have enough supplies, bring them indoors, plan to keep them with a loved one or family member)
Take down any temporary signs, including those for political campaigns, advertisements, and any other wooden or loosely placed items that have the ability to lift in heavy winds and cause damage to life and property
Conduct all preparedness activities before 10 a.m. Thursday, as damaging winds will impact the island then.
Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
When you’re done securing your homes and you know someone elderly, living with a disability, or who will otherwise need help, please see how you can help them. If you know a neighbor who has no way of getting information about the storm, please let your neighbor know what the updates are.

Emergency Shelters Now Open:

North

Astumbo Elementary School

Central

B.P. Carbullido Elementary School

South

Harry S. Truman Elementary School

Expectant Mothers Are Accepted at GMH:

The Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) is accepting expectant mothers at 9 p.m. this evening. Pregnant women who are at least 36 weeks pregnant, and all high-risk pregnant women who are six months or more into their pregnancy are advised to check in at the Patient Registration Department on the first floor. Expectant mothers will remain at the hospital for the duration of the storm until it is determined safe for them to return home.

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/(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. 6 - Guam in COR 2; Damaging Winds Expected Thursday Morning