Tropical Depression 20W Formed East-Southeast of Guam; Community Advised to Prepare

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor what is now Tropical Depression 20W newly formed east-southeast of Guam. The system was formerly known as Invest Area 99W.

As of 1 a.m., 20W was located 11.5 degrees north latitude and 148.1 degrees east longitude, about 375 miles northwest of Chuuk, 260 miles east-southeast of Guam, 295 miles east-southeast of Saipan. It is moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. 20W is expected to intensify through Saturday, possibly becoming a tropical storm by tonight.

While changes to this forecast are still possible, the community is reminded to prepare for any circumstance by taking the following precautionary measures now:
· Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action; clear drainage areas and unblock clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the chance of flooding.
· Stay up to date with the latest information. 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 following NWS advisories remain in effect:

A flash flood watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, from this morning through Friday afternoon. Heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with the tropical depression are expected.

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan from this morning through Friday afternoon. Dangerous rip currents are expected along east facing reefs of the Marianas. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current. Swim in a direction following the shoreline, then head for the beach when out of the current.

A small craft advisory will be in effect for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan from 6 a.m. Thursday to midnight Thursday. East winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and seas of 6 to 9 feet are expected. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

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.