Super Typhoon Sinlaku passed north of Guam Tuesday afternoon but damaging winds continued to batter the island as the storm bore down on Tinian and Saipan, where a destructive Category 4 strike is expected late Tuesday evening.
As of 2 p.m., Sinlaku was located 100 miles northeast of Guam, moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph have already been recorded on Guam, and rainbands continue to move over the island.
Guam remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and Typhoon Watch under COR 1. Residents must stay indoors until COR 4 is declared.
Officials warned that even with the closest point of approach now past, damaging winds will persist through early Tuesday evening. Sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph with gusts of 60 to 80 mph continue, with Tropical Storm-Force conditions lasting through Wednesday afternoon and dangerous seas through the end of the week.
Power
GPA confirmed the island-wide power system remains severed between north and south, with downed transmission lines affecting most of southern Guam. Crews continue working to prevent a total system blackout. Residents are warned to stay at least 30 feet from any downed power lines and report them immediately to GPA dispatch at (671) 475-1472/3/4.
Water
The Ugum Water Treatment Plant was secured at 11:15 a.m. as a precautionary measure due to high turbidity levels in the Ugum River caused by heavy rainfall. As of 2 p.m., 85 wells remain online — 28 on the island-wide power system and 57 on standby generator power. All sewer pump stations and wastewater treatment plants remain operational with no reported overflows. GWA dispatch: (671) 646-4211.
Guam and military installations remain in COR 1. Crisis Lifeline: 988, available 24/7.
This Storm Update is brought to you by Storm Sponsors: Tenorio Muna Barnes-Building Guam’s future together and Wise Owl Animal Hospital.