Guam officially entered Condition of Readiness 2 (COR 2) at 1:00 p.m. ChST on Oct. 16, as Tropical Storm Champi strengthened while tracking toward Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order 2026-07 declaring a state of emergency for the island in anticipation of Champi's approach. The order authorizes emergency procurement up to $250,000 for heavy equipment rental, debris removal, medical support at community health centers, typhoon shelter operations, and temporary lodging.
The National Weather Service Guam issued a Typhoon Watch for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, indicating that damaging typhoon winds could arrive within 48 hours. A Flood Watch was also declared across the island chain, warning of heavy rainfall, potential flash flooding, and hazardous ocean conditions over the weekend.
In response to the approaching storm threat, government agencies, courts, and health services enacted widespread closures and emergency protocols.
Leon Guerrero directed all non-essential government operations to suspend services as the island transitioned into COR 2. Under the emergency declaration, Guam Homeland Security-Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works were designated as lead agencies for emergency procurement and storm debris management, while the Guam Waterworks Authority and Guam Power Authority were instructed to service well generators and clear vegetation from transmission lines. The order also authorizes overtime compensation for eligible government employees working in excess of 40 hours per week.
The District Court of Guam announced its physical closure effective at 12:00 p.m. ChST on Oct. 16. Court officials confirmed that electronic filing via CM/ECF remains fully operational for registered users, and deadlines falling during the closure will be deemed timely when regular business resumes.
The A.B. Won Pat International Airport remains open, though passenger services and amenities may be limited during severe weather. John Quinata, executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority advised travelers to verify inbound and outbound flight statuses directly through airline mobile applications and websites rather than traveling to the airport prematurely. "The airlines are the primary source of flight information," Quinata said, urging passengers to secure accommodations in suitable facilities providing safe shelter and adequate provisions.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services implemented comprehensive service modifications. Regular clinic operations across all standard offices suspended services upon the declaration of COR 2. However, the Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalåhan remains operational around the clock through COR 4 to provide urgent, non-life-threatening medical care and electrical support for residents dependent on oxygen concentrators and breathing devices.
Conversely, the Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo closed until the return of COR 4. DPHSS also shared that public welfare programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, may experience temporary administrative processing delays due to power interruptions and office closures.
Meanwhile, the division's senior citizen programs distributed a three-day supply of emergency dry goods to vulnerable elderly clients, while the environmental health processing center temporarily halted health certificate issuances and sanitary permit applications without penalizing expiring credentials. Emergency management officials advised residents and business operators to secure properties against destructive winds, maintain emergency supplies sufficient for seven to 10 days, and keep essential prescription medications on hand for three to seven days.
Authorities strongly cautioned the public to stay completely out of hazardous coastal waters and away from swollen waterways, downed power lines, and storm debris.
Separately, the Department of Revenue and Taxation announced an upcoming facility closure for a scheduled safety equipment testing and evacuation exercise on Oct. 21, at 4:00 p.m. ChST, with normal operations resuming the following day.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from Guam Homeland Security-Office of Civil Defense and the National Weather Service as Champi continues its approach towards the Marianas. mbj
