Guam will remain in Condition of Readiness 1 throughout the night and into Thursday morning, according to a video message from the governor and lieutenant governor.
“The island continues to experience sustained tropical storm force winds of about 39 miles per hour and gusts of 55 to 65 miles per hour,” Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in the video released at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio added, “And according to the National Weather Service, the seas are absolute chaos. Those are their words.”
Tenorio also referred to the damage caused by large waves crashing into Marine Corps Drive and the access road to the port, and said the conditions are expected to continue throughout the night.
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning until 6 p.m. Thursday and a coastal flood warning until 5 a.m. Thursday for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
Large breaking waves of 20 to 30 feet are forecast for Saipan and Tinian, with waves of 15 to 20 feet on Rota and 11 to 16 feet on Guam.
Crews from Guam Power Authority, Guam Waterworks Authority and the Department of Public Works are trying to clear debris and repair damage from Typhoon Sinlaku.
Tenorio said workers are checking transmission lines and substations, keeping water pump stations running and removing downed trees, branches and rocks from the roads.
“I urge you to stay home and minimize your risk,” Leon Guerrero said. “We will get another briefing from the Weather Service at 8 a.m. tomorrow and hope to have better news. Until then, please understand high winds and high seas still pose significant harm. Be safe and take care of each other.”
