NWS Issues Special Weather Statement for the Marianas; Heavy Rain Expected

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a special weather statement for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

A tropical disturbance is centered near 13 degrees north latitude and 146 degrees east longitude, about 80 miles southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest.

The disturbance and associated monsoon trough will move slowly across the Marianas and cause periods of heavy rain and locally gusty winds this weekend.

The following NWS advisories are in effect:

A flash flood watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through late Saturday night, meaning conditions may develop that lead to dangerous flash flooding. Rain amounts of 4 to 8 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible. Poor drainage areas could see closed roads and even water in some houses. Avoid mountainous areas where flooding could occur. Soil is already saturated due to heavy rains from Typhoon Mangkhut last week, so most of the rains this weekend will be runoff and add to flooding problems.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action:
·         Now is the time to clear drainage areas and un-block clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the chance of flooding
·         Residents living near rivers and streams need to review plans for protecting properties
·         Once heavy rains occur, 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. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
·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.
A small craft advisory for winds is in effect for Tinian and Saipan coastal waters until 6 a.m. Sunday. East winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots will turn southeast then south as the developing circulation passes near Guam. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to practice caution while traveling on the roadways this weekend, allowing enough braking distance between cars. While driving, be alert for low visibilities in very heavy rain, and watch for local flooding of roads. Take flood preparedness action now and avoid hiking or camping near flood prone areas.

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/

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

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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.