Guam to move to COR 2 tonight; emergency shelters to open Monday

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero anticipates placing Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2 at 8 p.m. tonight. At COR2, the government of Guam, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced. Residents are strongly advised to use this time to prepare. Officials continue to monitor the developing system which has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Mawar. As of 7 a.m., Mawar was located 6.4 degrees north latitude and 149.1 degrees east longitude, 40 miles south of Polowat, 200 miles west-southwest of Chuuk, and 570 miles south-southeast of Guam.

It is moving north-northwest at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Tropical storm Mawar is expected to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon. Concurrently, Joint Region Marianas, Naval Base Guam , Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 2 at 8 p.m. this evening.

The Department of Defense will delay implementing some of the TCCOR2 actions until Tuesday to minimize the impact on installation services such as Child Development Center, Exchange and Commissary.

DoDEA schools will remain open on Monday.

For installation-specific operations or questions, please consult the respective installation Facebook page or reach out to the Public Affairs Officer. The Guam Department of Education is preparing to open certain emergency shelters at 5 p.m. on Monday.

What to expect: At this time, the current forecast track has the system moving through the Marianas, between Guam and Rota.

Weather officials noted that the system track may change in the coming days and any deviation could potentially bring typhoon force winds directly over Guam. Any one, or several, Mariana Islands may take a near miss or a direct hit this week. A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A typhoon watch means that typhoon conditions are possible, with tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 mph and greater) conditions arriving within the next 48 hours. There is an increasing likelihood for tropical storm to typhoon

force impacts around midweek. The anticipated timing is expected between late Tuesday to early Thursday. Heavy rainfall is likely for much of this week, with 9 to 15 inches remaining a possibility through the end of this week.

What should you do:

The community is advised to finish the following preparedness actions by tomorrow: ● Stay up to date – monitor local news, NationalWeather Service and the Joint Information Center; ● If you have not done so, put up shutters now. Do not wait for winds to increase by Tuesday; ● Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives;

● Keep emergency preparedness kit readily available, with battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries;

● Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers,and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;

● Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach;

● If you live in an area prone to flooding, cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage;

● Ensure pets are part of your emergency plans (i.e. have enough supplies, bring them indoors, plan to keep them with a loved one or family member);

● Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning;

● Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear;

● When you’re done securing your homes and you know someone elderly, living with a disability, or who will otherwise need help, please see how you can help them. If you know a neighbor or family member who has no way of getting information about the storm, please let them know the updates.