Guam is in Condition of Readiness 2.
Democrat Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero placed the island in COR 2 8 p.m. on May 21.
“Our partners at the National Weather Service have been tracking this system closely over the past week,” said Leon Guerrero during a special address to the people of Guam. “At this time, 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.”
In an abundance of caution, she declared COR 2.
“This means that 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,” Leon Guerrero said.
At COR 2, Government of Guam agencies, except essential services, will remain closed until COR 4 is announced.
Joint Region Marianas, Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz are also in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness COR 2 at 8 p.m. on May 21, according to a press release by the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense. The Department of Defense has delayed implementing some of the TCCOR2 actions until May 23 to minimize impact to installation services.
A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. It means that typhoon conditions are possible, with tropical storm force of sustained winds of 39 mph and greater conditions arriving within the next 48 hours. Guam Homeland Security said that there is an increasing likelihood for tropical storm to typhoon force impacts around midweek. The anticipated timing is expected between late Tuesday to early Thursday. Heavy rainfall is likely much of this week, with 9 to 15 inches remaining a possibility through the end of this week.
During this time, the island’s maga’haga urges the community to prepare their families and secure their homes.
“As a government, we too are preparing,” Leon Guerrero said. “I have mobilized our critical infrastructure agencies to make their preparations to minimize damage and increase our resilience. That includes efforts to minimize flooding and power outages. And our schools are preparing to serve as shelters for anyone who may need it. This latest action–transitioning into Condition of Readiness 2–is time to ready yourselves and your families. Once Condition of Readiness 1 is declared, we ask that you stay home. On behalf of our island, thank you for doing your part to protect yourselves, our families, and the community. Please be safe.”
What you should do:
The community is advised to finish the following preparedness actions by May 22:
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Stay up to date – monitor local news, National Weather Service and the Joint Information Center;
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Put up shutters. Do not wait for winds to increase by Tuesday;
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Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives;
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Keep emergency preparedness kits readily available, with battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries;
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Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;
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Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach;
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If you live in an area prone to flooding, cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage;
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Ensure pets are part of your emergency plans (i.e. have enough supplies, bring them indoors, plan to keep them with a loved one or family member);
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Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning;
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Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear;
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When you’re done securing your homes and you know someone elderly, living with a disability, or who will otherwise need help, please see how you can help them. If you know a neighbor or family member who has no way of getting information about the storm, please let them know the updates.
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