Typhoon Mawar 245 miles southeast of Guam with winds of 105 mph; Emergency Shelters open 8 a.m.

Officials continue to monitor Typhoon Mawar as it makes its gradual approach toward the Marianas, according to the Joint Information Center.

As of 4 a.m. on May 23, Mawar was located 10.6 degrees north latitude and 146.9 degrees east longitude, about 245 miles southeast of Guam and 320 miles south-southeast of Saipan. It is moving north-northwest at 7 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

Mawar is expected to maintain this general course and speed over the next 24 hours. The latest forecast track shows a westward bend in the vicinity of the Marianas with passage near or over Guam Wednesday. With Mawar expected to intensify, Guam may see tropical storm force winds as early as Tuesday afternoon, with the possibility of typhoon force winds of 81 – 110 mph by Wednesday morning. Torrential rainfall is likely as Mawar passes with rainfall amounts of 8 to 15 inches possible.

Meanwhile, Democrat Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero anticipates placing Guam in Condition of Readiness 1 by 1 p.m. on May 23, according to the Joint Information Center.

At COR 1, destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours.

Once the island is in COR 1, the community is advised to remain indoors until COR 4 is announced.

What to do:

• Do not wait to seek shelter;

• Secure your pets indoors or in a safe space, away from the heavy winds and rains. Remember, the emergency shelters will not accept pets; make plans now for them  to stay with a loved one, friend or family member;

• Stay up to date – monitor local news, the National Weather Service and the Joint Information Center;

• All preparedness activities should be completed. If you are done securing your home and know someone elderly, living with a disability, or who will otherwise need assistance, 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 provide them with updates.

• Once Guam is in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at 1 p.m. today, remain indoors in a safe structure until COR 4 is announced.

Emergency Shelters to open 8 a.m. on May 23: 

Moreover, the Guam Department of Education has prepared to open twelve emergency shelters at 8 a.m. May 23. Emergency shelters will NOT open prior to 8 a.m.

The following emergency shelters open May 23:

Northern

• AsTumbo Elementary School

• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

• Machananao Elementary School

• Upi Elementary School

• Wettengel Elementary School

Central

• B.P. Carbullido Elementary School

• George Washington High School

Southern

• Talo’fo’fo Elementary School

• Merizo Martyrs Memorial School

• Harry S. Truman Elementary School

• Inalåhan Middle School

• M.U. Lujan Elementary School

What you should take to the shelter: 

1. 7-day supply of food and water for all members of your family

2. Bedding

3. Personal hygiene products

4. Medication

5. 7-day of supply for infants and toddlers, including diapers and formula

6. Valid Photo ID

7. Important documents including birth certificates, passports and medical immunization cards

Shelter rules: 

1. Be respectful to fellow residents and staff. No foul language, abusive behavior, stealing or destruction of property will be accepted or tolerated

2. Busing to/from shelters is available at the Mayors’ Offices

3. Bring a 7-day supply of food, water & prescriptions; infants & toddlers should have a 7- day supply of disposable diapers, baby formula & baby food

4. Bring bedding, toiletries, toilet tissue, and personal hygiene products

5. Must complete registration. Bring a form of valid I.D.

6. Must report Tuberculosis or flu-like symptoms

7. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are not allowed in the shelter or on the shelter grounds. Persons caught in possession will be asked to leave the shelter and in some cases turned over to law enforcement personnel. Persons determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be admitted, or readmitted to the shelter.

8. Public Law 21-139 dictates that there is no smoking on school premises. Smoking is not allowed in the shelter. Smoking is permitted outside the campus in designated smoking areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly.

9. Quiet hours will be announced and enforced in the sleeping areas. However, sleeping areas should be kept quiet at all times.

10. If you bring vital documents (i.e. Birth records, passports, etc.), secure them or keep them on you at all times. The Shelter is not responsible for these items if stolen.

11. Parents must maintain responsibility and supervision for their children. Children must never be left unattended.

12. No cooking or gas stoves

13. For your safety DO NOT LEAVE THE SHELTER before COR 4 has been declared

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