Tropical Storm Hagibis Continues to Strengthen; Make Preparations in Advance

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office continue to monitor what is now Tropical Storm Hagibis.

As of 1 p.m., Hagibis was located 15.0 degrees north latitude and 155.0 degrees east longitude, about 620 miles east of Saipan and 695 miles east of Guam. Tropical Storm Hagibis is moving west at 21 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Hagibis is forecast to intensify tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon early Monday morning. On its current track, it is expected to pass near Anatahan Monday night.

A typhoon watch is now in effect for Tinian, Saipan, Alamagan, and Pagan Islands, meaning typhoon conditions, including destructive winds of 74 mph or more, are possible within 48 hours, around Monday afternoon.

A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Rota, Tinian, Saipan, Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan Islands meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more, are expected within 24 hours, around Monday afternoon.

Although there are no watches in effect for Guam at this time, any small shift of the system’s track could bring tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or more to Guam.

While heaviest showers are expected to stay north of Guam, up to 2 to 4 inches of rain are possible through Tuesday. More rain will be expected if there is a southward shift in the storm’s track. Such rain, especially in short duration will cause localized flooding at times. In addition, seas will steadily build to hazardous levels of 8 to 11 feet by Tuesday morning with surf becoming hazardous as early as Monday night.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to prepare for any scenario by taking basic precautionary actions now:
· Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm 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.

· 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:

· 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.