By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Hundreds of travelers are stranded on Guam as airlines canceled all flights scheduled for Tuesday due to the expected landing of Typhoon Mawar.
The latest forecast guidance shows a category 3 typhoon may pass near or over Guam Wednesday.
Based on the weather forecast, typhoon-force winds extend outward from the center up to 40 miles. tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 145 miles.
As of 10 p.m. Monday night, the center of Typhoon Mawar was located near latitude 10.0 degrees north and longitude 146.8 degrees east.
Mawar is moving north-northwest around 7 mph. it is expected to maintain this general course and speed over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds remain at 105 mph. Mawar is forecast to intensify through Tuesday.
United Airlines and Korean Air canceled their arrival and departure flights between Guam and Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Honolulu, Manila, Yap and Chuuk.
In a statement, United said flights for all Guam, Saipan and Micronesia will remain suspended tomorrow.
"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 or to reschedule their flights as a result of Typhoon Mawar. Customers can contact United Reservations at 1-800-864-8331 for assistance," United said.
The Guam Visitors Bureau is working with A.B. Won Pat International Airport Guam and the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association to help prepare the visitor industry for Typhoon Mawar.
Guam’s source markets have been informed about the coming typhoon, as well as industry partners including travel agents, travel trade, hotels and airlines. Hotel guests are also being informed to stay out of the coastal waters until weather conditions improve.
GVB has activated its visitor concierge program to assist visitors who speak Japanese, Korean and Mandarin Chinese for any emergencies.
The main hotline to call is (671) 588-3030. GVB’s Visitor Safety Officers are also working together with the Department of Parks and Recreation to keep local residents and visitors safe and updated.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition