Rain to Continue through the Evening; NWS Advisories in Effect

The Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center remain activated in support of emergency response to torrential rain and impending floods.

The National Weather Service – Guam Weather Forecast office advises for Guam and Rota, it is expected to be cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with south winds at 15 to 20 mph through the evening. For Wednesday, it is expected to be cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then partly sunny with isolated showers in the afternoon.

The following advisories remain in effect:

A small craft advisory remains in effect for Guam and Rota coastal waters until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Winds of 19 to 29 mph with gusts to 34 mph and waves of 9 to 12 feet are expected, producing hazardous conditions to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

A high surf advisory and high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Surf between 9 and 12 feet will continue along west facing reefs of Guam and Rota and along south and west facing reefs of Tinian and Saipan. The high surf advisory means that surf will produce localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. There is also a high risk of rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm and yell 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.

A flash flood watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

A flash flood warning has been extended until 9:00 p.m. for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A flash flood warning means flooding is imminent or occurring.

Displaced Individuals
The EOC received reports of displaced individuals due to flooding. The EOC is working with the Mayors Council of Guam to provide accommodations for those that need to be relocated. Those affected or feel their homes are in a flood-prone area or may become displaced, can call the Mayors Council of Guam representative at (671) 478-0226. Individuals in immediate distress are advised to call 911.

Disrupted Roadways

GHS/OCD EOC received the following reports of disrupted roadways. Proceed with extreme caution or seek alternate routes when possible, until a complete assessment is done:
-          East Gayinero Street, Yigo – Reported flooding but passable
-          Barcinas area, Merizo – Reported flooding but passable
-          Rt. 1, by Polaris Point – Reported flooding but passable
-          Umatac Bridge – Reported heavy surge of water, the bridge is passable but proceed with caution
-          Rt. 1, Tumon area – Reported flooding but passable
-      Pulantat, Yona – Reported flooding but passable
-   San Antonio Avenue, Dededo – Reported flooding

Although areas were listed as passable, it is important to remember the flash flood warning and that a surge of water can happen in an instant. If possible, stay off flooded roadways as emergency responders and crews continue to make assessments and clear debris. If travel is necessary, practice caution especially nearing intersections, allowing enough braking distance between cars.

For more information or to report any flood and mudslide related issues, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.

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.