As of 5:12 a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Champi, formerly tropical depression 29W continues moving west towards the Marianas, according to the National Weather Service Guam Intermediate Advisory number 5A.
As of 4 a.m., weather officials tracked Champi, 800 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west at 280 degrees, traveling at 12 mph.
A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
"A Typhoon Watch means that typhoon conditions, including winds of 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours," NWS said.
A Flood Watch is also in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
"A flood watch means excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-laying flood-prone locations," NWS said.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero upon declaration on Condition of Readiness 3 at 5 p.m. Thursday, urged Guam residents to prepare for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous seas and surf this weekend.
Precautionary measures ahead of the storm include securing loose outdoor items, including furniture, canopies, tarps and any other items that can become airborne during strong winds. Stock up on drinking water, nonperishable food and canned goods, medications and emergency supplies for at least seven to 10 days.
The Attorney General of Guam, OAG in a release on Thursday, reminded merchants, landlords, and fuel providers that "price gouging will not be tolerated."
"As our people prepare their homes, families and businesses for possible severe weather, General Moylan reminds the business community that Guam Law prohibits price increases based on shortages anticipated or caused by a disaster even before an automatic price freeze takes effect," the OAG said.
According to the OAG's office and automatic price freeze initiates upon declaration of COR 2.
"Once Guam is declared in Condition of Readiness 1 or 2, wholesale and retail goods prices are automatically frozen until 72 hours after Guam returns to COR 4. This includes essential supplies such as gasoline, diesel, propane, bottled water, batteries and food," OAG said.
As of 5:12 a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Champi, formerly Tropical Depression 29W, continues moving west toward the Marianas, according to the National Weather Service Guam Intermediate Advisory No. 5A.
As of 4 a.m., weather officials tracked Champi 800 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west at 280 degrees at 12 mph.
“It is expected to maintain this general course towards the Marianas with a slight increase in forward speed through Saturday. Maximum sustained winds at 40 mph. Champi is forecast to continue to intensify,” NWS said.
A Typhoon Watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
“A Typhoon Watch means that typhoon conditions, including winds of 74 mph or more, are possible within 48 hours,” NWS said.
A Flood Watch is also in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
“A flood watch means excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying flood-prone locations,” NWS said.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, following the declaration of Condition of Readiness 3 at 5 p.m. Thursday, urged Guam residents to prepare for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous seas and surf this weekend.
Precautionary measures ahead of the storm include securing loose outdoor items, including furniture, canopies, tarps and any other items that can become airborne during strong winds. Residents should stock up on drinking water, nonperishable food and canned goods, medications and emergency supplies for at least seven to 10 days.
The Office of the Attorney General of Guam, in a release Thursday, reminded merchants, landlords and fuel providers that “price gouging will not be tolerated.”
“As our people prepare their homes, families and businesses for possible severe weather, General Moylan reminds the business community that Guam Law prohibits price increases based on shortages anticipated or caused by a disaster even before an automatic price freeze takes effect,” the OAG said.
According to the OAG, an automatic price freeze is initiated upon declaration of COR 2.
“Once Guam is declared in Condition of Readiness 1 or 2, wholesale and retail goods prices are automatically frozen until 72 hours after Guam returns to COR 4. This includes essential supplies such as gasoline, diesel, propane, bottled water, batteries and food,” the OAG said.
With Guam currently in COR 3, residents were also advised to ensure storm drains are free of debris, especially in low-lying, flood-prone areas.
Across the island, government agencies and local businesses have already begun storm preparations.
The Guam Power Authority is taking steps to safeguard power plants and substations against potential impacts from tropical storm-force winds, including vegetation management and generator readiness.
GTA has begun preparing its network, facilities and response teams to help protect critical infrastructure and maintain connectivity for customers.
“Whenever a storm threatens Guam, our teams take proactive measures that include inspecting network facilities, checking backup power systems, fueling generators and service vehicles, securing equipment and construction areas, and positioning recovery resources ahead of potential impacts. GTA’s Network Operations Center will remain fully staffed to monitor network conditions and coordinate response efforts as needed,” GTA said.
The Port Authority of Guam, which recently experienced gantry crane damage during the high-wind event on Oct. 2, has set Port Heavy Weather Condition X-Ray as of 4 p.m. Thursday in preparation for Champi.
The Port said that under PHWC X-Ray, commercial vessels are advised to finish cargo operations and depart within 24 hours of the declaration.
“Facilities are securing hazardous materials and potential flying debris and vessels greater than 200 gross tons are directed to make preparations to depart the Port, if required,” the Port said.
The Port said storm preparations at its facilities have been underway since Monday.
According to the Port, the island’s fuel suppliers are reporting adequate inventory levels ahead of the approaching weather system.
