Governor Lou Leon Guerrero anticipates placing Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2 at 8 p.m. this evening, October 8, 2023. At COR2, the Government of Guam, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced. Residents are strongly advised to use this time to prepare.
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is preparing to open certain emergency shelters at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 9. More information is forthcoming regarding locations, rules and regulations. Emergency shelters will NOT be open until 6 p.m., Monday, October 9. Do not attempt to go to any emergency shelter until the designated opening time.
As of 1 p.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 9.6 degrees north latitude and 152.9 degrees east longitude, about 610 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 5 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It is expected to maintain this general course with a slight increase in forward speed through Monday morning. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon by late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Current forecast tracks have Bolaven passing through the Marianas late Tuesday.
A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A typhoon watch means that there is a high possibility for damaging (39 mph) and/or destructive (58 mph) winds and heavy rains. This is expected as early as Tuesday morning.
Prepare Now
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautionary actions:
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Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding;
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Stay up to date with the latest information;
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Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, such as canopies, tarps, and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives;
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Have an emergency kit prepared: Store enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies;
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Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;
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Review your emergency plan: If you do not have a plan, learn how to create an emergency plan; Have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities or a caregiver for elderly, you may need to take extra steps to plan for those additional needs.
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Get emergency alerts: Stay informed by having a weather alert radio, battery-operated, or hand-crank radio, where you can listen to emergency news;
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Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators;
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Pull cash from the ATM in case of power outages;
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Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle;
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Secure your home. Put up shutters or board windows to prevent impact.
