Tropical Disturbance Near Kosrae Expected to Bring Rain to the Marianas Early Next Week

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office continue to monitor a tropical disturbance centered near Kosrae at 4 degrees north latitude and 162 degrees east longitude.

The system is now showing signs of movement toward the west-northwest, though the speed of movement is relatively slow. The disturbance is expected to maintain scattered to numerous showers with locally heavy rainfall across Kosrae State through tonight and across Pohnpei State through Friday night.

The tropical disturbance is expected to move near or through the Marianas early next week. For now, models favor a weak disturbance, bringing heavy rain with breezy winds but there is a possibility that the disturbance can strengthen. Rains are expected in the Marianas by Monday and to last through Wednesday. With the drought the Marianas have been experiencing, the rain may serve as a positive for the islands.

Changes can still occur with the overall forecast. Once the disturbance better organizes, confidence in the forecast will increase.

To prepare for any scenario, residents and visitors are advised to take the following basic precautionary actions:

· Stay up to date with the latest information. The forecast track or intensity may change and advisories may be issued.

· Be prepared to clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds.

· 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 advisory information in the coming days:

· 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.