NWS Advisories in Effect for the Marianas

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office issued the following advisories for the Marianas:

A short term forecast is in effect for Guam and Guam coastal waters. Through 2 p.m., heavy showers and thunderstorms will move across portions of central and southern Guam and adjacent coastal waters. Areas affected include Hagatna and Agana Heights southward to Piti and Apra Harbor and farther to Umatac and Merizo. Up to an inch and a half of rain is possible with occasional lightning strikes.

If driving, be prepared for heavy rain and brief flooding of roads. If outdoors and see lightning is seen or thunder is heard, find safe shelter. Boaters should look for shelter from heavy rain and possible lightning before the thunderstorms arrive.

A marine weather statement was issued for Guam coastal waters west of Umatac and Merizo. Thunderstorms and frequent lightning are expected west of Umatac, Merizo and Coco’s Island and drifting westward. Mariners can expect gusty winds to around 20 knots, locally higher waves, frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours.

Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor immediately until the thunderstorms pass. Frequent lightning will occur with the thunderstorms. If caught on open water, stay below deck if possible and keep away from underground metal objects.

A coastal hazard statement remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Sunday. Large quantities of box jellyfish are expected through Sunday afternoon for the Marianas beaches and surrounding waters. Swimmers and beach goers are advised to stay alert and report jellyfish sightings to life guards, hotel management, or authorities. Avoid contact with jellyfish.

A thunderstorm warning is in effect for the Guam International Airport Authority is until 3 p.m. Thunderstorms are occurring within 5 nautical miles of the airport.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) advise residents and visitors to avoid hazardous seas, until conditions subside. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, seek shelter immediately.

Visit the following links for the latest 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.