Guam braces for a looming Category 3 typhoon

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

(Updated April 10/ 5:15 p.m.)

Residents are starting to shutter their homes, filling up their gas tanks, stocking up on emergency food supplies and purchasing storage batteries in preparation for Tropical Storm Sinlaku forecast to pass south and southwest of Guam between Monday and Tuesday.

The latest forecast track from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center shows Tropical Depression 04W intensifying into a Category 3 to 4 typhoon.

The latest forecast shows an intensifying system with potential to reach Category 3 or 4 strength, with winds around 104 knots (120 mph), near Guam. Damaging winds of 34 knots (39 mph) or more are possible as early as Monday morning, with destructive typhoon-force winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or more possible for Guam Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

The next announcement, which will be determined at a later time, will be for TCCOR 3, indicating sustained winds greater than 50 knots (57 mph) are possible within 48 hours, according to a joint advisory from the Joint Task Force- Micronesia and Joint Region Marianas.

As the storm continues to progress, JRM said it would announce TCCOR 2 when sustained winds greater than 50 knots are anticipated within 24 hours, followed by TCCOR 1, which is when those winds are occurring or anticipated within 12 hours.

The government of Guam typically sets Conditions of Readiness (COR) based on the onset of damaging winds of 34 knots or more, which does not always align with the DoW threshold. All parties remain in close coordination.

Service members and their families are advised to begin taking precautionary measures, including ensuring households have sufficient food, water, and necessary medication for 7 to 10 days; clearing drainage areas to reduce flooding risk; securing windows, doors, and other items that could become airborne with heavy winds.

Earlier today, the National Weather Service said Sinlaku continued toward the Marianas, becoming increasingly organized over the past 12 hours as it has slowly tracked northwestward. It is expected to continue in this direction toward the Marianas.

Weather forecasters predict damaging winds of 39 mph or more are possible as early as Monday morning, with destructive typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more possible Monday night for Guam.

At 7 a.m. today, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center had Tropical Storm Sinlaku centered just NNW of Weno, Chuuk, near 8.4N 151.5E.

Sitting within the area of Weno, Fananu and Ulul in Chuuk State, Sinlaku is moving NW very slowly at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

NWS said Sinlaku is strengthening and will continue to strengthen through the weekend, likely becoming a typhoon on Saturday.

“There still remains some uncertainty on the potential for a faster-moving tropical cyclone as well as slight shifts north or south,” NWS said.

Forecasters warned that any changes will have notable effects regarding potential impacts for individual locations on Guam and in the rest of the Marianas.

Guam Power Authority advises the public that high winds can cause trees and branches to fall.

Outdoor items such as lawn furniture, canopies and garbage cans can become projectiles in high winds.

Residents are advised to secure all lightweight objects and anchor any items that may become airborne. Clear clogged rain gutters of debris to prevent water damage to your property. Install typhoon shutters or board up windows with 5/8” exterior-grade or marine plywood.

Those who need to evacuate to an emergency shelter are advised to shut off incoming electricity at the main breaker or switch, usually located by the electric meter or in the circuit breaker panel, before leaving home.

Those who are dependent on an electrically powered life support system are advised to consider installing a backup generator. Otherwise, make plans ahead of time to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available, such as hospitals. Be prepared to take your medical equipment and medications with you.

To protect your electric equipment from power outages and fluctuations caused by tropical storms, unplug unnecessary and sensitive electronic equipment. Use high-quality surge suppressors for electric appliances that remain plugged in.

The Authority provides the following tips for the safe operation of and use of generators:

Connecting a generator

· Never try to power a house/building wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as "back feeding.” It can lead to the electrocution of utility workers or neighbors served by the same utility transformer. The only safe way to connect a generator to a house/building wiring is to have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch.

Use proper extension cords. Use only safety-tested, shop-type electrical cords designed and rated for heavier, outdoor use to connect appliances.

Guam Visitors Bureau has canceled the Tumon Night Market scheduled for April 12 due to anticipated inclement weather conditions.

“The safety of our residents and visitors is GVB's top priority. We encourage everyone to take necessary precautions and stay safe during this time,” GVB said