Typhoon Wutip has intensified into a Super Typhoon early this morning. Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at this time and is anticipated to stay in COR 1 through the morning until assessments are made and heavy winds subside.
Wutip made its closest point of approach (CPA) to Guam Saturday at 8 p.m., about 165 miles southwest of Guam.
Currently, Wutip is approximately 180 miles west-southwest of Guam and continues to move northwest away from the Marianas at 5 mph.
Although Wutip is moving away, it leaves behind a long band of damaging winds. Damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected to last most of Sunday morning. It is advised residents stay indoors until COR 4 is declared.
At first daylight, emergency response crews, including Department of Public Works (DPW), Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), and acting Governor Tenorio’s office, will conduct what is known as a “windshield assessment” around the island to assess the types of damages sustained and to verify what roads are passable or impassable.
The assessment is necessary to determine if and when it is safe to return the island back to COR 4. “We will be checking on our residents, visiting shelters and offering support to our island mayors and our DPW and GPA crews who have been working around the clock,” Tenorio said.
“Those who live in low-lying areas were especially vulnerable as the storm passed Guam and we want to ensure they are provided the assistance they need.”
A high surf warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until 6 a.m. Tuesday. A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Wednesday.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for Guam and Rota through late Monday night. Heavy rainfall associated with Wutip could produce flash flooding across Guam and Rota. Do not attempt to enter flood waters