(Tumon, Guam) The following is from a news release by the National Weather Service:
Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a tropical storm watch for Guam and Rota as a tropical depression moves toward the Marianas. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible within the next 24 hours. As of 1 p.m., the tropical depression was located 10.5 degrees north latitude and 156 degrees east longitude; about 350 miles northeast of Chuuk and 785 miles east southeast of Guam, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The tropical depression is moving west-northwest at 18 mph. The current forecast track would bring the system near the Marianas by Monday afternoon and will likely become a tropical storm or typhoon. Plan Ahead Due to the uncertainty of exactly how close to Guam the disturbance will pass and the strength, it is advised to take basic precautionary actions now: • Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm 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 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 • Residents living near rivers and streams need to review plans for protecting properties • Once heavy rains occur, avoid walking or driving through flood waters • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away • If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water. • Avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning. • Visit https://www.ready.gov/floods to learn more. The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to practice caution while traveling in rainy conditions through the weekend and avoid the ocean until hazardous conditions subside. Take flood preparedness action now and avoid hiking or camping near flood prone areas.
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