NWS Issues Special Weather Statement; Tropical Disturbance Expected to Pass Near the Marianas

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a special weather statement for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A tropical disturbance is now about 4 degrees north latitude, 160 degrees east longitude, and about 1210 miles southeast of Guam moving west around 10 mph.

The circulation is expected to slowly become better organized over the next few days. On its current track, the circulation is expected to continue moving westward through Thursday, passing south of Chuuk Wednesday or Thursday. It is then expected to turn west-northwest and pass southwest of Guam around Sunday.

There is still considerable uncertainty as to the exact strength of the system as it passes the Marianas this weekend.

“Due to the uncertainty of the forecasted tropical disturbance, we remind all members of the community to refer to the most up to date information and be mindful of time stamps, advisory dates, and official posts,” stated Office of Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves. “We ask for the community’s assistance in preventing the spread of outdated information, which is important in these early stages of track uncertainty.”

NWS Advisories; Avoid Hazardous Seas

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Tuesday afternoon. Surf if 8 to 10 feet along east facing reefs is expected for the next couple of days before increasing 1 to 2 feet along east facing shores by Thursday. Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore. If caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm and stay afloat while waiting for help. If swimming out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Rip currents will be life threatening.

A small craft advisory remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan coastal waters until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Northeast winds of 20 to 25 knots along with hazardous seas of 8 to 10 feet will produce hazardous conditions for operators of small craft. Winds and seas are expected to increase by the weekend as the tropical disturbance passes near the area. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

An airport wind advisory is in effect for the Guam International Airport until 7 p.m. this evening. Winds from the northeast at 15 to 20 knots with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 knots are expected.

Plan Ahead

Due to the uncertainty of exactly how close to Guam the disturbance will pass and the strength, it is advised to take basic precautionary actions through the week while the weather is still clear:

Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change and advisories regarding flash flooding or dangerous seas 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 such as canopies and trampolines that may become airborne with heavy winds, 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 to minimize the chance of flooding

GHS/OCD, with guidance from NWS will continue to monitor the system and provide updates as needed. The community is advised to heed any advisories that come from the NWS in the coming days.

Residents and visitors are advised to stay up to date with the latest information from local media and the following links:

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

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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.