Tropical storm likely to bring heavy rain across Marianas

Tropical Storm 16W is forecast to move toward the Mariana islands, with the latest forecast track showing the tropical storm passing near or just south of Guam on Tuesday.

There is the potential for 16W to bring heavy rain to the Marianas, especially for Guam and Rota Monday night through Tuesday night.

Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, rainfall estimates indicate 4 to 8 inches of rain is possible across Guam and Rota and 3 to 6 inches across Tinian and Saipan. Uncertainty still exits on the actual track and any deviation will change the rainfall amounts.

Excessive rainfall can cause localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Check storm drains in your area to make sure they are not clogged. Make plans to protect property if you live near streams and rivers or in areas that habitually flood during heavy rain.

The public is being advised that localized flooding will be possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Check storm drains in your area to make sure they are not clogged. If planning anything outdoors next week, have a backup plan in place.

Benjamin Nicholson

In related news, Joint Region Marianas Pacific has established Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 3 for all military installations in Guam due to destructive winds of 50 knots or higher expected within 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds brought on by 16W are expected to begin affecting the area today, Aug. 16, with the closest point of approach predicted on Tuesday, Aug 17, at approximately 1pm.

The military installations in Guam are moving to TCCOR 3 expeditiously due to the various unit and personnel requirements at the onset of destructive winds.

“Joint Region Marianas has established TCCOR 3 to facilitate proactive planning and coordination among all military services islandwide, and to ensure our preparedness to mitigate any substantial interruption to normal activities and operations,” said JRM Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson. “We have additional military personnel and assets on the ground and in port supporting summer exercises, therefore this action errs on the side of caution as we work to safeguard service members, ships and aircraft from the possibility of destructive winds.”

Military personnel are currently securing facilities and housing residents are advised to commence heavy weather preparedness efforts.

For up-to-date information, military personnel and families are encouraged to stay tuned to the Joint Region Marianas, Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base Facebook pages. (Saipan Tribune)