Tropical Depression Continues to Strengthen; Flash Flood Watch in Effect

At 5 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam, issued an updated advisory for Tropical Depression 10W. Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 4.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam and Rota, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected tonight.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or more, are possible within 24 to 36 hours.

As of 4 p.m., Tropical Depression 10W was located 12.4 degrees north latitude and 146.1 east longitude, about 115 miles southeast of Guam and 190 miles south of Saipan, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Forward motion will continue to increase overnight with a gradual turn toward the northwest.

The current forecast brings Tropical Depression 10W near southern Guam late Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning with damaging winds between 40 and 45 mph and gusts up to 50 mph in heavier showers.

A short term forecast has been issued for Guam and Guam coastal waters. A band of heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Depression 10W is moving through Guam coastal waters and will be moving across Guam from east to west between now and 6:30 p.m. Very heavy rains are expected, which could cause flooding of roadways and poor drainage areas, with wind gusts to 45 mph.

If heavy rain is encountered, slow down and use low beam headlights.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is expected as the tropical depression passes through the Marianas overnight and on Thursday. Due to its slow motion, there is potential for excessive rainfall and flash flooding, especially across Guam and Rota. Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is possible with locally higher amounts, especially for Guam and Rota.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Clear any debris around drainage areas.

Residents who are concerned that their homes may not be able to withstand tropical storm conditions can call the GHS/OCD Watch Desk 478-0290 for coordination with village Mayor’s offices. The GHS/OCD 24/7 Watch Office will coordinate non-emergency individual requests for assistance from village mayors, government of Guam, military, private, and non-profit organizations.

Preparedness Actions

As winds and rains increase through the evening, residents and visitors are advised to practice extreme caution if traveling on the roadways is necessary. Allow enough braking distance between cars to avoid any collisions and drive cautiously, being mindful of flooded roadways.
Mariners should make all necessary preparations to return to port, seek safe harbor and secure their craft. Dangerous rip currents are expected, along with 10 – 12 feet of open ocean and 8 – 10 feet of surf.
Store any items that may become airborne with heavy wind, including canopies and children’s outdoor toys.
Locate your emergency preparedness kits for your household.
Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators.
Secure outdoor pets in a safe location either indoors or inside the garage.
Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change and additional advisories may be issued.
Stay up to date in the event there are changes with or updates to changes in Conditions of Readiness.

GHS/OCD, working with the NWS, will continue to monitor the system and provide updates. Monitor the latest advisory information through the following sites:

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/
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/

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 or contact the GHS/OCD watch desk at (671) 478-0290.

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.