Weather alerts in Guam

...TYPHOON CHAMPI MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST TOWARDS GUAM... .NEW INFORMATION... Champi upgraded to a typhoon. .AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides information and recommended actions for people on Guam, and on Rota, Tinian and Saipan in the Northern Marianas. .WATCHES/WARNINGS... A Typhoon Warning continues for Guam and Rota. A Tropical Storm Warning in conjuction with a Typhoon Watch continue for Tinian and Saipan. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Please listen closely for any Flash Flood Warnings that might be in effect for your area. Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards. .STORM INFORMATION... At 700 AM ChST, the center of Typhoon Champi (29W) was located near latitude 12.0N and longitude 149.6E. This was about 340 miles east- southeast of Guam. Storm motion was west-northwest, 295 degrees, at 15 mph. Storm intensity was 85 mph. The system is expected to further intensify today, with rapid intensification likely as Champi approaches the Marianas. This general forecast track will take Champi just south of Guam as a category 3 typhoon. .SITUATION OVERVIEW... Showers and winds will steadily increase this afternoon, and then deteriorate significantly from tonight as newly upgraded Typhoon Champi continues to move in from the east-southeast. Champi is expected to go through a period of rapid intensification shortly, strengthening further as the day goes on. Winds and rain will come in rapidly, with winds becoming dangerous and life threatening very soon after onset. Do not let a false sense of normalcy now dictate your actions tomorrow; prepare NOW!

What to do: Make the final preparations to protect life and property. Rush to completion the hardening of your home or business by closing shutters and bracing garage doors. If evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Guard against being stuck out on roadways when dangerous winds and heavy rains arrive. Again, do not stay in a metal roof or container home. Remember, pets are not allowed in most official shelters, so check ahead with your intended shelter. If staying in a home, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill the bathtub with water in case the tap water becomes unavailable after the storm. This is for cleaning and flushing purposes. Do not drink it.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Guam, Rota, Saipan and Tinian. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Tropical Storm Champi (29W) will drop copious amounts of rain over Sunday and Monday...although an unexpected southward shift in track will reduce these somewhat. Tinian and Saipan will see around 4 to 6 inches, Rota could receive 10 to 15 inches, and Guam might get 12 to 20 inches. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do: You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, significant coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking waves up to 35 feet for Guam, 20 to 25 feet for Rota, and 15 to 20 feet for Tinian and Saipan. * WHERE...Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 4 AM ChST Monday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Shoreline erosion will occur. Breaking waves can sweep people off their feet, and into dangerous seas. Life- threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Coastal inundation of 5 to 7 feet for Guam, 2 to 4 feet for Rota and 1 to 3 feet for Tinian and Saipan is possible along with coastal flooding and beach erosion. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf is expected to rise rapidly to dangerous levels tonight. Coastal impacts to the western coast of Guam and Rota are highly dependent on the final track of Champi; passage south of Guam would be reduced impacts whereas passage over Guam would result in larger coastal inundation.

What to do: Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay well away from the coast.