JIC Release No. 2 - Tropical Storm Conditions Possible for Guam; Yutu Now a Typhoon - GHS OCD

The National Weather Service (NWS) - Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Tropical Storm Yutu. As of 1 p.m., Yutu was located 11.8 degrees north latitude, 151.2 degrees east longitude, about 450 miles east-southeast of Guam and 435 miles east-southeast of Saipan. Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 3 at this time.

Yutu is moving west-northwest at 14 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The current track will bring Yutu near or north of Saipan by early Thursday morning, as a 125 mph Category 3 typhoon.

Governor Calvo encourages everyone to take precautionary measures.

“No one can say for sure whether the storm will skirt the Marianas or if it will change its course and cause more damage than anticipated. There are some preliminary steps you can take just to be certain your family is prepared for any eventuality,” the Governor stated.

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio said Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense is already coordinating efforts, and ensuring government agencies know what’s going on and what steps need to be taken.

“The storm is still quite a distance from the Marianas but we want to use this time to ensure we are prepared,” said Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio.

The closest point of approach to Guam is possibly Thursday morning, about 125 miles away. The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph is now expected for Guam late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Maximum sustained winds of 40 mph but as high as 45 mph with higher gusts are possible for Guam.

Damaging winds of 58 mph or more and typhoon force winds of 75 mph or more are not expected for Guam at this time. It is important to note this could change with any shift southward in the storm’s track. Currently, possible impact for Guam is some downed limbs and vegetation, light damage to poorly constructed buildings, damage to signs along the roads, and strong rip currents.

A typhoon warning is in effect for Tinian and Saipan, meaning typhoon conditions are expected for Tinian and Saipan Wednesday through Thursday morning.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Rota, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected for Rota Wednesday afternoon.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Guam and the far Northern Mariana Islands Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan. Tropical storm conditions are possible for Guam within the next 36 to 48 hours.

Take Precautionary Actions Now

Indoors:
· Roll up carpets away from doors and windows
· Make lighting supplies easily accessible
· Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach (forecast to be by late Wednesday evening)
· 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
· If you live in an area prone to flooding, cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage
· Stay up to date in the event there are changes in weather conditions
· Do your laundry now

Outdoors:
· Secure your home – put shutters on windows, completely board up your home if windows cannot withstand damaging winds
· Ensure the gas valve is shut off once damaging winds approach (forecast to be by late Wednesday)
· Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives
· Clear vegetation
· Take down any temporary signs, including those for political campaigns, advertisements, and any other wooden or loosely placed items as these have the ability to lift in heavy winds and cause damage to life and property
· Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear
· Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action; clear drainage areas and un-block clogged storm drains in your area now to minimize the chance of flooding.
· Once inclement weather arrives as early as Wednesday, avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
· Visit https://www.ready.gov/floods to learn more.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:
· 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 Calvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/
· Joint Region Marianas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600 or (671) 482-7019.

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.

JIC Release No. 2 - Tropical Storm Conditions Possible for Guam; Yutu Now a Typhoon