Guam will go in Condition of Readiness 1 at 1 p.m., and emergency officials are urging residents in the south to be especially careful as Typhoon Champi approaches.
Southern Guam is expected to take the brunt of the storm, and the Office of Civil Defense is asking anyone who lives along the southern coastlines to go to higher ground.
Humåtak, Malesso’, Inalåhan and Talo'fo'fo' are areas of concern, and Talofofo Elementary School will be accepting people who need emergency shelter.
Typhoon Champi is expected to pass over or near southern Guam early Sunday morning, with winds of about 120 mph and gusts to 155 mph.
Large breaking waves of 30 to 35 feet are expected Sunday.
What to expect:
Showers and winds will steadily increase this afternoon, and then deteriorate significantly from tonight as Champi continues to move in from the east-southeast.
Champi is expected to go through a period of rapid intensification shortly, strengthening further as the day goes on. Winds and rain will come in rapidly, with winds becoming dangerous and life-threatening very soon after onset.
Do not stay in a metal roof or container home. Evacuate as soon as possible to a reinforced concrete structure.
According to the National Weather Service: “Most metal roof homes will be destroyed. Some container homes will be destroyed or severely damaged, leaving them uninhabitable. Considerable damage to well-constructed homes is expected. A number of roofs and exterior walls will fail. Many metal roofs will be torn off buildings at industrial parks. Partial roof and exterior wall failures are likely at low-rise apartment buildings. Many windows in high-rise buildings will be blown out. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant danger even after the storm. Near total power loss is expected. Potable water could become scarce as filtration systems begin to fail. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.”
If you are staying at home, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill the bathtub with water for cleaning and flushing in case the tap water becomes unavailable after the storm.
Sustained tropical storm-force winds from the north to northeast are expected to begin around midnight. Typhoon-force winds arrive Sunday morning.
