At 1 p.m. Saturday, Guam entered Condition of Readiness 1 as Typhoon Champi draws closer to the Marianas.
Joint Information Center Release No. 7 said Champi is expected to pass Guam as a Category 3 typhoon either south of or over southern Guam late Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Ahead of the storm, the JIC advised residents in southern villages to "evacuate from coastal, flood-prone areas and seek safe shelter."
"Life-threatening, heavy coastal inundation is expected," the JIC said. "Conditions will begin to deteriorate by noon today, with damaging winds of 39 mph or more, expected by this early evening. Typhoon force winds of 74 mph or more will begin as early as 6 a.m. Sunday All MUST be in a safe shelter before sunset this evening. Remain indoors in a secured, concrete-reinforced shelter."
During the storm, the All Hazards Alert Warning System sirens will be used to broadcast emergency alerts and instructions to the public.
"Residents should take all alerts seriously and follow official guidance to protect themselves and their families. If a message is unclear, tune in to local radio stations for clarification. The Joint Information Center (JIC) will use all available communication channels to share timely updates and important information with the public," the release said.
Five emergency evacuation centers opened at 10 a.m. and, by 1 p.m., a sixth EEC opened at Inarajan Middle School. The maximum capacity of the center has not been determined.
The other five EECs are Machananao Elementary School, Maria Ulloa Elementary School, Astumbo Elementary School, George Washington High School and Talofofo Elementary School. According to the JIC, the five sites can accommodate up to 1,964 people.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services Southern Region Community Health Center will remain open to provide care for minor, non-life-threatening injuries and urgent care services. The Guam Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, along with inpatient care and other critical hospital operations, will also remain open.
"For life-threatening medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical response will continue as weather and operational safety conditions permit," GMHA said in a separate release. "Individuals requiring emergency medical care may continue to seek treatment at the GMHA Emergency Department, which will remain open 24 hours a day."
This storm watch update is brought to you by senatorial candidates Clynt Ridgell, "Let's Grow Guam Together"; Sabrina Salas Matanane, "Bri the Difference"; and Chief Energy Partners, "Your Power. Your Terms. Your Lifestyle." Special thanks to sponsors Donna Muna Quinata, "Driven to Serve"; Burger King; and MacTech Guam.