Tropical Depression 02W Upgraded to a Tropical Storm; Heavy Rainfall Remains a Possibility Over the Weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor what is now Tropical Storm 02W, previously a Tropical Depression.

As of 7 a.m., the system was located near latitude 4.5 degrees north and longitude 146.1 degrees east, about 210 miles south-southwest of Satawal and 625 miles south-southeast of Guam. It is currently moving west-northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It is expected to turn to a northwest track, taking it between Yap and Guam on Sunday. Slow intensification is expected the next couple of days, and 02W could become a typhoon Saturday night or Sunday morning.

There are no watches or warnings in effect for the Marianas at this time. Although a direct impact is not expected for the Marianas based on the latest forecast, the community is reminded to stay up to date with the latest information as 02W remains in our vicinity. Wind, rain, seas, and surf are expected to increase Saturday into Sunday.

For Guam, 3 to 5 inches of rainfall is possible through next Wednesday as 02W passes to the southwest into the Philippine Sea. Locally higher amounts of rainfall are possible. Winds will increase to between 20 and 30 mph by Sunday, with gusts up to around 40 mph.

Those living in flood-prone areas should prepare; clear drainage areas and unblock clogged storm drains in your area to minimize flooding and watch for any additional advisories.

The following advisories remain in place:

A red flag warning remains in effect for Guam until Friday evening. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. East winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are expected through the afternoon. The highest threat is expected for central and southern Guam during the daytime hours. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A high risk of rip currents remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Sunday night. Dangerous rip currents are expected along east facing reefs. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous conditions. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current. Swim in a direction following the shoreline, face the shore and call or wave for help.

A small craft advisory remains in effect for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 6 a.m. Monday. East winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and seas of 7 to 9 feet are expected. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), in coordination with NWS, will continue to monitor all systems in the region and provide updates.

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.

Click here to view NWS Forecast Track Graphic as of 7AM, APR8

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.