United might suspend Guam-Saipan flights
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Tropical Storm Bolaven is forecast to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon Tuesday morning, according to the Joint Information Center.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero will place Guam in Condition of Readiness 1 at 10 p.m. Oct. 9. At COR1, destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours.
The current location indicates that Bolaven will pass just north of Guam between Rota and Tinian Tuesday into Wednesday.
United Airlines announced that flights between Guam and Saipan may be affected beginning Tuesday. United encourages all customers traveling to and from Guam and Saipan within the next few days to visit united.com or the United app to receive the most current information about their upcoming flights.
"We wish our brothers and sisters in the CNMI the best," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a video message.
She said she spoke to CNMI Gov, Arnold Palacios and "offered assistance in any way we can."
The governor urged Guam residents to continue their preparations to ensure their safety. "You know the drill; you know the tips," she added.
As of 1 p.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 11.1 degrees north latitude and 149.9 degrees east longitude, about 380 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.
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.
Tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or more are expected for Guam as early as Tuesday midday and lasting through Wednesday.
At this time, the closest point of approach to Guam is 8 p.m. Tuesday. This could change. Tropical Storm Bolaven should not be underestimated. All islands will feel the passage of Bolaven, but any one, or two, islands could face a direct hit (maximum intensity).
The Guam Department of Education has prepared to open six emergency shelters at 6 p.m.
IT&E fully mobilized
IT&E said it is taking proactive steps to ensure network stability and reliability, by taking the following measures:
Preparing back-up power: IT&E actively deploying generators and backup power sources at crucial network sites to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of power fluctuations.
Mobilizing response teams: Teams are on standby to respond as soon as it is safe to assess service interruptions or repair network issues caused by the storm.
24/7 Monitoring: IT&E has round-the-clock monitoring in place to detect and address any network issues as soon as they arise.
Customer support: IT&E’s Customer Care team will remain accessible to assist subscribers with any connectivity issues. To report service issues, subscribers can call (671) 922-4483 [GUAM] / (670) 682-4483 [CNMI].
“We understand the importance of staying connected, especially during times of crisis. Rest assured, we are committed to providing the best possible service and support throughout this storm," said Jim Oehlerking, President of IT&E
GPA: Planning ahead
Guam Power Authority advises the public that high winds can cause trees and branches to fall.
GPA issued the following tips in preparation for the storm:
Take a look around your property and remove damaged trees and overhanging branches to keep you, your property, and power lines safe.
Lawn furniture, canopies, garbage cans and other items can become projectiles in high winds. 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.
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 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.
GCC campus remains closed
The Guam Community College campus will remain closed to the public.
All classes, boot camps, and scheduled testing have been canceled. Stay tuned to local media for updates on when a decision is made to resume classes and reopen the campus.
A notice will be shared through local media, on social media pages on Facebook and Instagram at @GuamCC and on MyGCC. The campus will resume operations once the island returns to COR-4 and the campus has been cleared to open.
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