JIC Release No. 5 - Tropical Storm Watch Canceled for Guam and Rota; Hazardous Seas and Surf Expected Tomorrow; Guam Remains in COR 3 - GHS OCD

The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office Guam continues to monitor Tropical Depression 16W. As of 7 p.m., 16W was located 13.6 degrees north latitude and 149.1 degrees east longitude, about 250 miles east-southeast of Saipan and 290 miles east of Guam. It is currently moving west at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 25 mph.

16W is expected to maintain this weakened state until it has passed well west of the Marianas by Tuesday, and to the Philippine Sea where there may be potential for some eventual strengthening.

The tropical storm watch has been canceled for Guam and Rota. Tropical storm force winds are no longer expected, at this time. Heavy rainfall is still expected tonight through Tuesday.

The following advisories will be in effect:

A flash flood watch will be in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan beginning from midnight tonight through early Wednesday morning. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts are possible tonight through Tuesday night. The community is advised to watch for additional advisories or a flash flood warning.

A high surf advisory and high risk of rip currents will be in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. Hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet is expected in the surf zone, for north and east facing reefs for Tinian and Saipan, and along west and north facing reefs for Guam and Rota. Dangerous swimming conditions and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion are expected.

The community is advised to avoid venturing near reef lines facing north and east. Avoid swimming and snorkeling in these conditions. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current. Swim in a direction following the shoreline, then head for the beach when out of the current.

A small craft advisory will be in effect for Guam and Rota coastal waters beginning at 10 p.m. this evening to 6 p.m. Tuesday. East winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots and seas of 9 to 11 feet are expected. Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas, which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners are advised to alter plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and seas.

Guam Remains in COR 3
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at this time. The government of Guam and the Guam Department of Education schools, and the Archdiocese of Agana schools will resume normal operations tomorrow, August 17, 2021.

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/
JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10 beginning Tuesday, 8 a.m.

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. 5 - Tropical Storm Watch Canceled for Guam and Rota; Hazardous Seas and Surf Expected Tomorrow; Guam Remains in COR 3