Emergency officials are warning residents of Guam and Rota to make “the full effort of preparing for a typhoon strike,” as Tropical Storm Champi approaches and continues to intensify.
As of the 1 p.m. forecast, Champi was expected to pass over northern Guam as a Category 2 or 3 typhoon on Sunday morning.
“This is not a very good outlook for Guam,” Landon Aydlett of the National Weather Service said during a media briefing Friday. Beyond the regular efforts of removing tents, canopies and tarps, Aydlett is advising people to use typhoon shutters and solidify emergency plans.
“Use the next 48 hours wisely,” he said. “Take action, plan, prepare, secure things, secure your homes, and make sure your family has a plan. If you need to be in safe shelter, find that safe shelter. Whether it's an evacuation shelter or with family and friends, make sure you're in a reinforced concrete home or building.”
Although fair weather is expected Saturday morning, conditions will begin deteriorating as the day goes on, Aydlett said.
At 1 p.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Champi was at 11.3 east latitude and 154.0 east longitude, or 590 miles east-southeast of Guam, and moving west at 24 mph.
Guam and Rota were placed under a typhoon warning, with typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or greater expected by Sunday morning.
A typhoon watch was in place for Saipan and Tinian. A flood watch was in effect for all four islands.
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero placed the island under Condition of Readiness 2.
“I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions and remain attentive to official emergency guidance,” she said. “Our island has faced powerful storms before, and we know that protecting our community requires all of us to do our part. I ask everyone to remain vigilant, look out for their neighbors, and follow the guidance of our emergency officials.”
Emergency officials are advising residents and visitors to:
- Complete preparations to secure homes, businesses, and outdoor property against damaging winds today.
- Ensure adequate food, drinking water, medications, and emergency supplies for at least seven to 10 days.
- Charge mobile devices and prepare flashlights, batteries, and emergency radios in anticipation of possible power outages.
- Avoid flood-prone areas and clear nearby drainage areas only when safe to do so. Review emergency plans and make necessary arrangements for older adults, persons with disabilities, children, and pets.
- Stay out of the ocean and away from exposed reefs, shorelines, and other hazardous coastal areas.
- Continue monitoring official announcements regarding weather conditions, government operations, and emergency instructions.
