Tropical Disturbance Southeast of Yap; No Direct Threat to Marianas at this time

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast office continues to monitor a tropical disturbance southeast of Yap, near 5 degrees north latitude and 144 degrees east longitude. The tropical disturbance is now designated as "medium" by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, meaning tropical cyclone development is likely, but expected to occur beyond 24 hours.

Forecast model tracks continue to vary, with a high uncertainty on exact forecast track beyond Wednesday. Current forecasts track the disturbance to near Fais and Ulithi in the Wednesday-Thursday time frame, with uncertainty increasing Thursday regarding further intensification and track.

What is certain is that Palau, Yap, and Western Yap state will see deteriorating conditions with periods of numerous showers, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds today through Thursday.

For Guam, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms from converging winds flowing into the disturbance are expected around Thursday and Friday. However, this can change, especially if the disturbance begins to develop sooner, or takes a more northward track, passing closer to the Marianas. Also anticipated for the Marianas from this system is a possible west or southwest swell.

Although there is no direct threat assessed for Guam or the Marianas at this time, it is advised to take basic precautionary measures now:

· Stay up to date with the latest information. The system track or intensity may change and advisories regarding flash flooding or dangerous seas may be issued later in the week.

· 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.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), with partners from NWS will continue to monitor for effects on 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.

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.