For Immediate Release
August 19, 2018
 
NWS Weather Advisories in effect; residents urged to heed warnings and drive carefully 
 
The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office Guam has issued the following advisories for the Marianas:
 
A high surf advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. (ChST) Tuesday evening.
•  West facing reefs – Surf will increase from 7 feet to 9 to 11 feet by Monday evening.
•  There will also be high risk of rip currents.
•  This means that high surf will affect beaches in the west facing reefs producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions.
 
Avoid venturing near reef lines and beaches.
Should you be caught in a rip current:
•  Yell for help, remain calm.
•  Do not exhaust yourself, attempt to stay afloat while waiting for help.
•  Should you have the need to swim out, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible.
•  Do not swim directly against the rip current as you will tire quickly.
•  Do not enter or swim alone. Always inform a family member or friend should you enter the waters.
 
A small craft advisory is in effect until 10:00p.m. (ChST) Tuesday morning.
•  Winds at 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots.
•  This means winds speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft.
• Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid sailing in these conditions.
 
A flash flood advisory remains in effect until 6:00p.m. (ChST) Monday evening.
• Residents living in areas prone to flooding should clear drainage areas and un-block clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the change of flooding.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood water.
• 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. Do not wait for alerts or warnings.
• 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 as the current may be carrying debris from your surroundings.
• Avoid hiking, camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall.  These areas could flood quickly and with little or no warning.  
 
We will continue to monitor the storm as it maintains its general course and speed over the next 24 hours.
 
Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:
•  NWS Website: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/
•  NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
•  GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
•  GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
 
For more information, contact GHS/OCD Acting Public Information Officer, Dee Cruz at (671) 478-0291 or via email at dee.cruz@ghs.guam.gov.
 
OFFICES OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENSE
I Tano’ Guahan/Ufisinan Difensia Sibet
221-B Chalan Palasyo, Agana Heights, Guam 96910 Tel: (671) 475-9600 / Fax: (671) 477-3727
Website: www.ghs.guam.gov

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