Super typhoon Hagibis is already moving away from the Marianas but Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2, GovGuam offices and schools remain closed, and residents are advised to remain indoors and off the roads.
National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Middlebrooke told Andrea Pellacani over NewsTalk K57 that Super Typhoon Hagibis is now already west of Anatahan Island.
All in all, Middlebrooke said the typhoon’s effects on Guam was pretty mild. “This is by no means the worst weather we’ve had this year. So we got off pretty easy this time,” Middlebrooke said.
For the morning commute, Middlebrooke said rain can be expected. “It’s won’t be a flood warning kind of rain, still it will be a nuisance. By afternoon, things should improve although we’ll still have gusty winds,” Middlebrooke said.
For the safety of the community, Guam will remain in COR 2 as emergency management officials assess major roadways for areas that may be deemed dangerous or impassable.
Jenna Blas, GHS/OCD public information officer told K57, that there’s a multi-agency initial assessment being conducted right now.
Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), Department of Public Works, Mayors’ Council of Guam, Guam Fire Department, and the Guam Police Department are conducting windshield assessments to evaluate post-storm conditions, as well as monitor the latest weather advisories, before issuing the all-clear.
Any change to the Condition of Readiness will be determined after 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, Guam Power Authority public information officer Art Perez informed K57 that outages have been reported in the following areas: Dededo, Tanguisson hill; Barrigada, Lalo area; MTM/Barrigada, Toto-Canada Rd (McDonalds/Harvest area); Chalan Pago, Santa Cruz/Okso St area; Sinajana, Afame; Yona, Pulantat Manenggon; and Santa Rita, Route 17/Borja area.
Perez said additional crews have been activated to assist with investigations and power restoration.
NWS continues to monitor Super Typhoon Hagibis. As of 7 a.m., Hagibis was located at 16.5 degrees north latitude and 145.0 degrees east longitude, approximately 105 miles north-northwest of Saipan and 210 miles north of Guam. Super Typhoon Hagibis is moving west-northwest at 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
“On Tinian and Saipan, there are still some lingering typhoon winds. Had it been another 100 miles south of Anatahan, it would have been another Super Typhoon Yutu for Saipan,” Middlebrooke said.
At around 1 a.m., the eye of Hagibis passed over Anatahan Island, about 80 miles north of Saipan. Although Super Typhoon Hagibis made its closest point of approach to the islands early this morning, heavy winds and rain are still possible as the system moves away. The community is advised to stay indoors until COR 4 is announced.
A typhoon warning remains in effect for Saipan, Tinian, Alamagan, and the Pagan Islands, meaning typhoon conditions, including destructive winds of 74 mph or more, will continue through the morning.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota, and Agrihan islands, meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or greater are expected through this morning.
Stay up to date with the latest advisory information:
NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
Joint Region Marianas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam/
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