Typhoon Sinlaku was downgraded from super typhoon status early Wednesday as it slowly pulled away from the Marianas, but Guam remained under Condition of Readiness 1 with dangerous winds and heavy rain continuing to batter the island.
As of 1 a.m. Wednesday, Sinlaku was located approximately 125 miles north-northeast of Guam, moving northwest at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph — down from a peak of 150 mph. Gusts up to 85 mph were still being recorded island-wide.
Officials warned residents to remain indoors until the Governor declares COR 4. Joint Region Marianas remained at TCCOR 1E, with installation access points closed except for the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam emergency department.
Tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or greater are expected to persist through Wednesday afternoon before conditions gradually improve. Dangerous sea conditions are forecast through the end of the week.
The storm's slow movement kept damaging winds over Guam for an extended period after its closest point of approach, compounding risks to infrastructure and power lines.
All Guam Department of Education public schools will remain closed Wednesday. Catholic schools, Guam Community College and the University of Guam are also closed pending a COR 4 declaration and campus safety inspections.
Guam Power Authority crews remain grounded from aerial bucket truck work. Guam Waterworks Authority reported 79 wells online as of Tuesday evening, with no sewer overflows reported.
Residents may contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.
This Storm Update is brought to you by Storm Sponsors: Tenorio Muna Barnes-Building Guam’s future together and Wise Owl Animal Hospital.