By Joint Information Office
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 1 at this time. The community is advised to remain indoors until COR 4 is announced.
As of 7 a.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 13.4 degrees north latitude and 147.0 degrees east longitude, about 150 miles east of Guam, moving northwest at 16 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through Wednesday afternoon, possibly becoming a typhoon later today.
On its current track, Bolaven is anticipated to pass between Rota and Tinian.
Guam can expect a heavy rain event. Heavy winds and rains are anticipated to begin by 10 a.m. today. The closest point of approach is expected between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today but this may change.
The worst conditions are expected between noon, with tropical storm force winds (39 mph or more) through this evening but even after that, torrential rainfall is expected. Rainfall amounts of about 1 foot to 1.5 feet of rain between sunrise this morning and tomorrow morning are expected.
Residents and visitors of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are cautioned against engaging in any kind of water-related activities during the approach and passing of Tropical Storm Bolaven. The public is advised to stay clear of the ocean as hazardous sea conditions are being created by Tropical Storm Bolaven.
In addition to entering the water during heavy surf and rough seas, residents and visitors are also advised against venturing along trails close to the water or shoreline, as high surf can knock a person down and sweep them off beaches and rocks. These waves can be deadly, even for the most experienced swimmers.
Residents should also be informed that before and during the storm, rescue personnel may not be able to respond due to deteriorating weather conditions. Resources such as boats, jet skis, and aircraft normally involved in search and rescue operations have been secured due to conditions being too dangerous.
If you need to evacuate to an emergency shelter, before you leave home, shut off your incoming electricity at the main breaker or switch, usually located by the electric meter or in the circuit breaker panel.
If you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system, consider having a backup generator. Otherwise, make plans ahead of time to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available.
The Guam Department of Education opened six emergency shelters at 6 p.m. this evening. GDOE is able to accommodate O2 dependent residents who need a power source at certain emergency shelters. See below for more information: