JIC Release No. 3 - Tropical Storm Warning in effect for Guam and Rota; Residents encouraged to prepare - GHS OCD

Hagåtña — Various government agencies have begun to prepare for anticipated storm conditions with the approach of Tropical Storm Man-Yi.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is working to clear culverts to avoid flooding as much as possible. DPW also is pre-staging equipment today to allow for quicker response time following the storm. The Department of Education is prepared to open shelters once COR 2 is announced — which is anticipated later this evening depending on the forecast track of the storm. The Guam Memorial Hospital is preparing to receive expectant mothers once COR 2 is announced. The Guam Power Authority (GPA) reports that emergency water well generators are being topped off with fuel to ensure water wells remain operational. GPA equipment is also being topped off and materials are on standby to be deployed if necessary.

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at this time.

“Given the information we have right now, we are expecting tropical storm conditions here on Guam by tomorrow morning. And I know many of us are preparing for Thanksgiving Day but please take some time today to take care of things at home – bring loose items indoors, prepare your emergency kits and clear away anything that could impact your power service line,” Governor Calvo stated. “Should conditions become worse than we currently anticipate we must be as prepared as possible.”

“Hazardous surf, rip currents, and flying debris are expected. If possible, remain out of the waters and remain indoors,” stated Office of Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves.

What is now Tropical Storm Man-Yi is expected to make its closest approach, about 160 miles southwest of Guam tomorrow around noon.

The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph or more for Guam is likely Thursday morning into the afternoon. At this time, maximum sustained winds predicted for Guam are 35 – 40 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Guam is not expecting to receive destructive winds or typhoon force winds at this time. Rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches are possible during its passage. Sea conditions will be hazardous Thursday with 10-13 foot surf expected. The worst sea conditions are expected on the southeast side. Coastal inundation is expected for Ipan, Talofofo, Inarajan, and possibly Pago Bay.

Possible impact for Guam is some downed limbs and vegetation, some affected power lines and moderate to strong life-threatening rip currents.

As of 1 p.m., Tropical Storm Man-Yi was located near Latitude 7.2 degrees North and Longitude 150.1 degrees East, about 565 miles southeast of Guam. It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. This general motion is expected to continue with little change in forward speed through Thursday.

The community is reminded that any shift northward in the current track could bring stronger winds and heavier rains to Guam. It is important to take preventative measures as early as possible.

Those planning outdoor activities for Thanksgiving are advised to make plans to move indoors.

Residents and visitors are advised to continue preparations for the possibility of damaging winds on Thursday afternoon and evening. To prepare for any scenario:

Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change and advisories regarding dangerous seas may be issued. Changes in Conditions of Readiness 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 and vegetation around your yard.
Safely secure or take down any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as wooden signs, canopies, tarps or trampolines, before inclement weather arrives.
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.
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. 3 - Tropical Storm Warning in effect for Guam and Rota; Residents encouraged to prepare