Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Disturbance Expected to Pass Near or Through Marianas

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor a developing tropical disturbance north of Chuuk, which is now the subject of a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, meaning the formation of a tropical cyclone is possible within the next 24 hours.

As of last night, the circulation was centered north of Chuuk, near 11 degrees north latitude and 152 degrees east longitude, approximately 480 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 13 mph. The disturbance is expected to strengthen as it heads near or through the Marianas by the end of this week.

A thunderstorm advisory is in effect for Guam International Airport Authority until 12 noon. Thunderstorms are possible or occurring within 20 nautical miles of the airport. Be alert and take precaution as necessary. These storms have been producing occasional lightning. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, remain indoors.

At this time, uncertainty remains for the exact forecast track and intensity of the system as it approaches the Marianas. Showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are still likely today through Friday. Depending on how organized the system is and where it tracks when it approaches, current estimates call for 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with locally higher amounts possible. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 35 mph are possible in the stronger showers and thunderstorms. Changes to this forecast remain likely.

To prepare for any circumstance, the community is advised to take precautionary measures now through Wednesday evening:

· Stay up to date with the latest information in the coming days. The system track or intensity may change and advisories 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 around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, before inclement weather arrives.
· Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear.
· Be prepared to take action if flood advisories are issued. In inclement weather, 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.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to practice caution while traveling in rainy conditions, driving below the speed limit and allowing enough braking distance between vehicles.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory 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.

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.