Tropical Storm Yutu to pass near the Northern Marianas; Be Prepared in Case Storm Track Changes

The National Weather Service (NWS) - Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor what is now Tropical Storm Yutu.

As of 1 p.m., Yutu was located near 9.2 degrees north latitude, 155.6 degrees east longitude, about 790 miles east-southeast of Guam and 780 miles east-southeast of Saipan, moving west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

On its current track, Yutu will likely be approaching the Marianas Wednesday night, passing just north of Saipan Thursday morning as a Category 3 typhoon. Category 3 Typhoon is referred to as a “Strong Typhoon” with maximum sustained winds of 111-129 mph and peak gusts of 140-164 mph.

The closest point of approach to Guam is possibly Thursday morning, more than 150 miles away. The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph or more is not expected for Guam at this time. The maximum sustained wind prediction for Guam is 25 mph but could be as high as 30 mph with higher gusts. Worst conditions are expected Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Rainfall amounts of 2 -3 inches is possible for Guam during the storm’s passage but could be more if the storm moves south of the current predictions.

There are no watches or warnings in effect for the Marianas at this time but this can change in the coming days. Keep alert for updates such as changes in forecasted track, erratic movement, more rapid forward movement, or more rapid intensification.

Take Precautions Now

Although damaging winds are not expected for Guam at this time, a shift in the storm’s track could bring the storm closer to Guam. To prepare for any scenario, residents and visitors are advised to:

Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change and advisories regarding 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 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.
Stay up to date in the event there are changes in Conditions of Readiness.
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, as inclement weather reaches the Marianas.

Stay up to date with the latest information from local media and the following links:

NWS Website: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
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.