Developing tropical system to bring rain to Guam, the Marianas and Yap

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands should expect heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days. National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office meteorologists are watching a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W. Officials expect the system will become a tropical depression by late Thursday afternoon as it passes just west of Rota. It’s expected to bring thunderstorms and gusty winds across the Marianas and Guam through the weekend.  

In Yap, residents are urged to monitor reports on weather and sea conditions. As 98W passes by to the north, the monsoon will strengthen bringing periods of showers, thunderstorms, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly across the Yap islands and atolls east of Yap Proper. Residents are also urged to postpone inter-island travel until sea conditions subside.

In Guam and the Marianas, residents can expect rainfall of up to 12 inches through Saturday night, with locally higher amounts possible. A flash flood watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through late Saturday night.

Officials are urging people living near flood-prone areas to clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding. In addition, residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautionary actions:
·      Stay up to date with the latest information;
·      Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items, such as tents and canopies, that may become airborne with heavy winds, before inclement weather arrives;
·      If driving, be alert for low visibilities in heavy rain;
·      Slow down where water is ponding on the road;
·      Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away;
·      Do not camp, park, or hike along streams and rivers. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning. mbj