Tropical Storm Watch in Effect for Guam; Flood Prone Areas Advised to Take Action Now

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Tropical Depression 20W. As of 7 a.m., the system was located near 12.1 degrees north latitude and 147.0 degrees east longitude, about 175 miles east-southeast of Guam and 225 miles south-southeast of Saipan. It is moving west-northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

A tropical storm watch is now in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39 to 74 mph, are possible through Friday morning.

20W is forecast to intensify through Saturday, possibly becoming a tropical storm by tonight. There remains uncertainty on its intensity and trajectory.

Excessive rainfall will cause localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Check storm drains in your area to make sure they are not clogged. Make plans to protect property if you live near streams and rivers or in areas that habitually flood during heavy rain. Take the following preparedness actions now:
·Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action; clear drainage areas and unblock clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the chance of flooding.
·Stay up to date with the latest information. The system track or intensity may change and advisories 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 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.
·Be prepared to take action if flood advisories are issued. Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks, especially during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

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/

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.