By Barbara Brown
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has declared Guam in Condition of Readiness 3 as of 6 p.m. Monday, and has stood up the Joint Information Center for Tropical Depression 06W.
There now are two JICs operating simultaneously; one for the coronavirus pandemic, and the other now for the storm.
The National Weather Service expects 06W to become a tropical storm by tomorrow morning.
The text of the governor's news release follows:
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Governor Lou Leon Guerrero will place Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at 6 p.m. this evening. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more, are expected early Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon.
The change from COR 4 to COR 3 is out of an abundance of caution in preparation for Tropical Depression 06W’s approach to Guam. However, there is no anticipated change in COR settings for the respective military bases at this time.
At COR 3, damaging winds of 39-57 mph are expected within 48 hours.
As of 4 p.m., 06W was located 11.8 degrees north latitude and 146.5 degrees east longitude, about 165 miles southeast of Guam. It is currently moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
On its current track, 06W will bring sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph tonight, and 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 possible in the stronger showers and thunderstorms Tuesday. Stronger gusts are likely across the southern coastal waters.
Stronger tropical storm force winds are expected just off the shore of Merizo and for southern Guam. The system’s closest point of approach is expected Tuesday morning but inclement weather is expected before and to continue after its closest point of approach.
Any northward deviation of the current forecast track would bring stronger winds to Guam, particularly in the southern villages.
A high surf advisory is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Hazardous surf of 9 to 12 feet is expected for east and south facing reefs of the Marianas, producing dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Prepare Now Be prepared to take action if flood advisories are issued. In inclement weather, avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
The community is reminded to prepare for any circumstance and take the following precautionary measures now:
● Stay out of the water.
● 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.
● 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 tents and canopies, 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. The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), with NWS, will continue to monitor all systems in the area and provide updates as needed.
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