Guam has been placed in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 as Tropical Storm Sinlaku continues to strengthen and track toward the Marianas, officials announced Saturday.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero placed the island in COR 3 at 5 p.m. April 10, signaling that damaging winds of at least 39 mph are expected within 48 hours. A typhoon watch is now in effect, with forecasters warning the system could intensify into a Category 3 or 4 typhoon, bringing winds exceeding 130 mph and heavy rainfall across the region.
The Joint Information Center said conditions are expected to deteriorate late Sunday, with tropical storm-force winds possible by Monday morning and typhoon-force winds developing by Monday evening into Tuesday. Rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches are forecast through midweek, increasing the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in central and southern areas of the island. Officials are also warning residents to stay out of the water due to hazardous surf, strong rip currents and rough seas.
Government agencies and military partners are actively preparing for the storm. The Department of Public Works has pre-staged heavy equipment and begun clearing drainage systems, while the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority continue infrastructure preparations. The Port Authority has escalated its readiness level, and U.S. Coast Guard vessels are expected to depart ahead of worsening conditions as part of standard safety procedures.
Residents are urged to prepare emergency kits with enough supplies for seven to 10 days, secure loose outdoor items, fuel vehicles and generators, and review family emergency plans. Officials also advise monitoring official updates and preparing for possible relocation once shelter locations are announced
This Storm Update is brought to you by Storm Sponsors Tenorio Muna Barnes, Building Guam’s future together and Wise Owl Animal Hospital.