NWS Issues Flood Warning for Guam; Drive with Caution

NWS Issues Flood Warning for Guam; Drive with Caution

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a flash flood warning for Guam until 10 a.m.
 
Thunderstorms are producing heavy rain across the area. Up to an inch of rain has already fallen. Additional two to four inches is possible. Flash flooding is expected to begin.
 
The worst flooding will be in Merizo. Other locations that will be impacted include Polaris Point, Dededo, Tamuning, Mangilao, Ordot Chalan Pago, Yigo, Barrigada, Yona, Agana Heights, Andersen AFB, Talofofo, Sinajana, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Inarajan, Asan, Piti, Santa Rita, Hagatna, and Umatac.  
 
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary actions:
· Move to higher ground.
· Stay away from storm drains, culverts, creeks, and streams.
· Water levels can rise rapidly and sweep people away.
· Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away
· If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
· If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. If the water is moving, do not leave the car.
· 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.
 
high surf advisory remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 6 a.m. Thursday, meaning high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. Surf will remain hazardous at 8 to 11 feet along south facing reefs and 11 to 14 feet along west facing reefs. Avoid venturing out along south and west facing reefs and beaches. Large breaking waves can knock people down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents will be life threatening.
 
small craft advisory remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan coastal waters until 6 a.m. Thursday, meaning wind speeds and heavy seas are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft. Southwest winds of 19 to 29 mph with occasional gusts to 39 mph are expected. Seas of 10 to 12 feet will continue through Thursday. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
 
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) advise residents and visitors to practice extreme caution while traveling in rainy conditions, driving below the speed limit and allowing enough braking distance between vehicles. Avoid south and west facing reefs and beaches until hazardous conditions subside. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs. 
 
Visit the following links for the latest 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.

 
 
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