Tropical Depression 03W Expected to Pass Between Koror and Yap on Monday; NWS Advisories in Effect for the Marianas

The National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam has issued a tropical storm warning in effect for Kayangel and Koror in the Republic of Palau, and for Yap Island and Ngulu in Yap State. A tropical storm warning means that damaging winds of at least 39 mph are expected within the next 12 to 24 hours.

As of 1 p.m., Tropical Depression 03Wwas located at 6.0 degrees north latitude and 140.0 east longitude, about 595 miles south-southwest of Guam, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. NWS advises Tropical Depression 03W is forecast to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a tropical storm this evening.

Although Tropical Depression 03W is not forecast to have significant impact on the Marianas, residents and visitors are advised to monitor the latest updates. NWS has the following advisories in effect for the Marianas:

A small craft advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan coastal waters. NWS advises winds of 14 to 24 mph with frequent gusts to 34 mph will continue through Monday, which have cause seas to rise between 7 and 10 feet. Wind speeds or frequent gusts of 25 to 37 mph are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

An airport wind advisory is in effect for the Guam International Airport until 6 p.m. this evening. Winds from the east at 19 to 24 mph with gusts to 29 to 34 mph are expected.

A fire weather watch is in effect for Guam through Tuesday evening. A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Winds are expected east to eat-northeast at 19 to 29 mph with stronger gusts. The most dangerous times will be from late morning until near sunset. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly, especially along east-facing slopes, and may ignite spot fires downwind.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind residents and visitors to practice extreme caution during this time. Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

NWS Website: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
NWS Facebook: https: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam
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.