Tropical Storm Watch in Effect; Tropical Depression Atsani to Pass South-Southwest of Guam Late Tonight and Early Saturday

The National Weather Service (NWS) continue to monitor what is now Tropical Depression Atsani (23W).

At 8 a.m., NWS issued a tropical storm watch for Guam, meaning tropical storm conditions, including destructive winds of 39 mph or more, are possible this evening.

As of 7 a.m., tropical depression Atsani was located 9.8 degrees north latitude and 146.8 degrees east longitude, about 375 miles south of Saipan and 290 miles south southeast of Guam. The system is moving north northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. Atsani is forecast to intensify steadily the next couple of days, becoming a tropical storm later today and a typhoon on Sunday.

NWS advised, on its current track, the system is expected to pass about 140 miles southwest of Guam late this evening. Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the Marianas this morning with heavy showers and winds gusting up to 40 mph. Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible tonight and Saturday.

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Southeast winds of 15 to 25 kt with gusts of 30 to 35 kt and seas of 7 to 9 feet are expected. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

The community is reminded that any northward deviation from the current forecast track, or faster intensification, could bring stronger winds to Guam and the southern coastal waters.

Due to the uncertainty of exactly how close to Guam the disturbance will pass and the strength, it is advised to take the following basic precautionary actions:

• Stay up to date with the latest information. The system’s 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

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) will continue to monitor the system closely with guidance from NWS and provide updates as needed. The community is advised to heed any additional advisories in the coming days and be prepared to take action, if needed.

Stay up to date with the latest advisory information in the coming days:

· 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 Acting Public Information Officer Jaimie Cruz at (671) 688-0438 or via email at jaimie.cruz@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.