Typhoon Watch issued for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan

A Typhoon Watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan as of 1:35 p.m. Oct. 15, according to the National Weather Service Guam.

A Typhoon Watch means typhoon conditions, including winds of 74 mph or greater, are expected within 48 hours. The Tropical Depression 29W Advisory 3 said that as of 1 p.m., the system was 970 miles east of Guam, moving west-northwest at 285 degrees at 13 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

“29W is forecast to maintain this intensity through tonight, then begin to strengthen Friday, possibly becoming a tropical storm Saturday and a typhoon Sunday,” the NWS Advisory 3 said.

“When it reaches tropical storm strength, 34 knots or greater, it could receive its name ... the name will come from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, ... the name will likely be Champi,” meteorologist Leigh Anne Eaton said during the heavy weather briefing Thursday.

NWS officials forecast the storm to pass through the Rota Channel, with tropical storm-force winds likely to arrive on Guam late Saturday night. Typhoon-force winds are most likely Sunday morning, with their departure likely Sunday afternoon.

With the current forecast projecting a high-end Category 1 typhoon with winds between 74 mph and 95 mph, weather officials encouraged Guam residents to prepare for at least a Category 2 typhoon, which carries winds of 96 mph to 110 mph.

“Residents of the Marianas are encouraged to continue storm preparations for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous seas and surf this weekend. Heed the advice of local government officials and emergency management agencies,” NWS Guam said on its Facebook account.

With storm preparations advised, the Guam Power Authority has begun pre-storm measures. These include safeguarding power plants and substations against potential impacts from tropical storm-force winds.

“These preparations include Vegetation Management: Although vegetation clearing is conducted year-round, GPA’s Transmission and Distribution teams are giving special attention to areas across the island known for overgrowth, including excessive trees and bamboo, which can pose risks during storms. Generator Readiness: GPA teams are checking and fueling standby generators, including those for water wells, to ensure they are operational and ready to provide backup power if needed,” GPA said in an Oct. 15 statement.

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