For Immediate Release
July 5, 2018
2 a.m.
Tropical Depression 10W Upgraded to Tropical Storm Maria; Track Updated Again to Pass Southern Tip of Guam
At 1 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam, updated the advisory for Tropical Depression 10W, which has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Maria. The current forecast track now has Tropical Storm Maria passing near the southernmost tip of Guam, with the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) between 6 – 7 a.m. Heavy rains and strong winds are expected to continue before and even after the system passes the island.
Watches and Warnings:
A tropical storm warning is remains in effect for Guam and Rota, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or more are occurring this morning.
A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Tinian and Saipan, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or more, remain possible later today.
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 4 at this time.
At 1 a.m., TS Maria was located at 12.8 degrees north latitude and 145.2 east longitude, about 55 miles southeast of Guam and 165 miles south-southwest of Saipan, moving west-northwest, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Current Track:
The current forecast track now has TS Maria passing very close to the southern tip of Guam Thursday morning with damaging winds between 40 and 45 mph and gusts up to 50 mph in heavier showers at the closest point of approach. Worst conditions are expected through Thursday morning, as the system leaves the area. The system remains erratic in its movement.
Advisories:
A thunderstorm advisory is now in effect for the Guam International Airport until 6 p.m. Thursday evening. Thunderstorms are possible within 20 nautical miles of the airport.
A wind advisory remains in effect for the Guam International Airport and has been extended to 6 p.m. Thursday evening. Winds from the east-northeast at 29 mph with gusts to 44 mph in showers, shifting to the east-southeast at 39 mph with gusts to 54 mph in showers near noon Thursday. Be alert and take precautions as needed.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is expected as the tropical depression passes through the Marianas overnight and on Thursday. Due to its slow motion, there is potential for excessive rainfall and flash flooding, especially across Guam and Rota. Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is possible with locally higher amounts, especially for Guam and Rota.
Residents who are concerned that their homes may not be able to withstand tropical storm conditions can call the GHS/OCD Watch Desk 478-0290 for coordination with village Mayor’s offices. The GHS/OCD 24/7 Watch Office will coordinate non-emergency individual requests for assistance from village mayors, government of Guam, military, private, and non-profit organizations.
United urges customers to check the latest status of their
flights at united.com or by calling United
Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
Power:
Weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Maria have deteriorated and present multiple hazards to the GPA field crews. At this time, crews have been instructed to seek shelter. Field work will resume as soon as possible. Please report power-related issues to GPA via its Facebook page or call its 24-hour Trouble Dispatch desk at 475-1472, 475-1473, or 475-1474.
Preparedness Actions Through the Evening:
· Check in with the NWS website for updates through the evening in order to get the latest weather updates.
· Charge cell phones in advance, so there is full battery if power is lost.
· Avoid walking, swimming or driving through flood waters.
· As winds and rains remain through the morning, residents and visitors are advised to remain in a safe location that is able to withstand damaging winds.
· Mariners should make all necessary preparations to return to port, seek safe harbor and secure their craft.
· Keep emergency preparedness kits nearby.
· Secure outdoor pets in a safe location either indoors or inside the garage.
· Stay up to date with the latest information. The storm track or intensity may change, additional advisories may be issued, or updates to changes in Conditions of Readiness may be issued.
GHS/OCD, working with the NWS, will continue to monitor the system and provide updates. Monitor the latest advisory information through the following sites:
· 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/
· Governor Eddie Baza Calvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddiebazacalvo/
For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov or contact the GHS/OCD watch desk at (671) 478-0290.
