Tropical Storm Watch in Effect for Guam; Flood Prone Areas Advised to Take Action Now

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Tropical Storm 16W. As of 7 a.m., the system was located near latitude 12.3 north and longitude 158.2 east, about 860 miles east-southeast of Saipan and 905 miles east of Guam. It is moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Guam, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible within 24 to 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds are expected as early as Tuesday morning.

Tropical Storm 16W is forecast to pass near or just south of Guam on Tuesday. There is potential for 16W to bring heavy rain to the Marianas, especially Guam and Rota Monday night through Tuesday night. Rainfall estimates indicate 4 to 8 inches of rain is possible across Guam and Rota, and 3 to 6 inches across Tinian and Saipan. Uncertainty still exists on the actual track and any deviation will change the rainfall amounts.

Excessive rainfall can cause localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Check storm drains in your area to make sure they are not clogged. Make plans to protect property if you live near streams and rivers or in areas that habitually flood during heavy rain. Take the following preparedness actions 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’s 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.

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/

NWS info - Aug 15, 8am

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.