By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero declared Guam under Condition of Readiness 2 effective tonight as Mawar continues to organize and steadily intensify with a track toward the Marianas.
"We expect Mawar to possibly become a typhoon overnight. Tropical storm or even typhoon damaging winds and heavy rains are expected as early as Tuesday morning," the governor said.
"Government of Guam operations, with the exception of services identified as essential, will not be operational and will remain closed until further announcement, after the storm passes. During this time, I urge each of you to prepare your families and secure your homes," Leon Guerrero said.
The governor said critical infrastructure agencies have been mobilized to make their preparations to minimize damage and increase the island's resilience.
Classes are suspended as public school facilities will serve as shelters for families and individuals who may be displaced by the impending typhoon.
"We will be issuing more information as it becomes available. With that, I ask that each of you turn to official, verified outlets, like the Joint Information Center to ensure you are receiving the most current and accurate information about the storm, and important government services," the governor said.
"The steps we take now to prepare will help keep our families and our island safe through the storm. I ask that we remain calm and vigilant as our government has mobilized all necessary resources and actions for preparation here at home and with our federal partners abroad for immediate response and recovery," she added.
Once the COR1 is declared, residents will be asked to stay home, the governor said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Archdiocese of Agaña schools will cancel classes on Monday.
“At COR2, the government of Guam, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced. Residents are strongly advised to use this time to prepare,” emergency officials said in a news advisory.
GCC: The Guam Community College campus will be closed to the public, starting Monday. All scheduled classes have been canceled.
"We ask the public to stay tuned to local media for updates on when a decision is made to resume classes and reopen the campus," GCC said.
Legislature: The Guam Legislature will be closed for public services as of the declaration by the Governor of Condition of Readiness 2, except for essential services, until COR 4 is restored by the Governor. Legislative hearings and all other legislative events scheduled for Monday, May 22, and all dates thereafter until the island is returned to COR 4, are postponed until further notice.
Courts: Chief Justice Robert J. Torres has issued an administrative order directing the closure of the Judicial Branch. The closure will take effect immediately upon the Governor of Guam’s declaration of COR 2 and continue until further notice.
The decision prioritizes the safety of the public and Judiciary of Guam staff in the face of the impending storm. During this closure period:
All hearings, jury trials, jury selections, and grand jury proceedings will be rescheduled.
Magistrate hearings will resume following the declaration of COR 4 by the Governor of Guam.
Jurors are advised to monitor the jury recording system after 5:00 PM following the COR 4 declaration.
Check-ins, drug testing, and appointments with the Probation Services Division will be re-scheduled. Individuals under pretrial or probation supervision, including juveniles, should await further instructions from their probation officers and continue to comply with all other requirements.
If a court filing is due while the court is closed, the time for filing is extended until the end of the first accessible day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
The Guam Law Library and the Judicial Education Center will be closed and will reopen under the direction of the Chief Justice.
Flights: United flights will operate as scheduled on Monday and the United City Ticket Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. United customers who are scheduled to depart on May 23 and May 24 are encouraged to check united.com or the United app for the most current flight information as a result of Tropical Storm Mawar.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition