Tropical Storm Sinlaku, named after the Kosraean Goddess of Nature, formerly known as Tropical Depression 04W, continues to slowly move toward the Marianas.

In their latest briefing at noon today, Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense and the National Weather Service have confirmed a Category 3 to 4 typhoon to pass over Guam early this upcoming Monday through Wednesday.

“We are still looking at a slow west to northwest drift,” said Brandon Aydlett, NWS Meteorologist-in-charge. “We’re looking at that being the motion for the next 24 to 36 hours. We were talking about that slow motion yesterday. Still going slowly, but it’s becoming better organized.”

NWS Meteorologist-in-charge Brandon Aydlett says currently, there are no typhoon watches or warnings issued for Guam.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center will only issue those 48 hours out from a potential weather threat.

Aydlett adds it's still too early to determine exact proximity to Guam, however, following data of storm paths in the region over the last 5 years, NWS graphs show Sinlaku is following right along those lines.

“The white shaded area is where for the past 5 years of forecast errors, the center of a tropical cyclone stayed within that area two-thrids of the time – 66% of the time,” added Aydlett.

He says regardless of the eye of the storm shifting north or south, its vast wind field will reach Guam and envelop much of the Mariana Islands.

At this “early time”, damaging winds of 39 miles per hour or more are possible as early as Monday morning, with destructive typhoon-force winds of 74 mph or more possible for Guam Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Aydlett adds that wooden and tin structures face great threat as winds start to pick up.

He encourages the community to assess their surroundings and take note of neighbors who may be in need of assistance.

Hazardous marine conditions have been issued as the island can expect 20 to 40 foot waves in open waters closer to the center of the storm.

And along shorelines, run up and erosion is to be expected.

Furthermore, Sinlaku threatens to bring significant rainfall measuring 10 to 15 inches, raising flooding concerns for low lying areas.

“Worst conditions, we’re looking at from Monday morning to Wednesday morning. That’s 48 hours, 48 hours for a slow-moving – potentially category 3, potentially category 4 – typhoon,” he said. “Typhoon Mawar was an eye-opener for a lot of people. This could be another Typhoon Mawar-type of scenario.”

Still, Aydlett says this projection relies on a storm track passing right over Guam and that considering the worst case scenario will help our community better prepare.

Therefore, the NWS and GHS/OCD are advising residents and visitors take the following precautionary actions now:

In flood-prone areas clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains;

Clear loose debris around your yard and secure any items, such as tents and canopies, that could become airborne with heavy winds, including securing construction sites and taking down signs.

Have an emergency kit prepared with enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days, including medication, hygiene supplies and pet supplies.

Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;

Finally, review or create your 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.

As forecast changes are still possible over the next 24 to 36 hours, the message remains: Stay informed, stay prepared, and continue monitoring official updates from NWS, GHS/OCD, and emergency management partners.

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