Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir | Tropical Storm 26W (Mangkhut) Warning Graphic #08 Issued Sept. 8, 2018, at 2100Z from...... read more read more
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SANTA RITA, Guam — The Coast Guard is urging the public to prepare for severe weather late Monday night in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Tropical Storm Mangkhut (formerly TD 26W) is expected to generate sustained winds approaching 115 knots (135 mph), with possible gusts of 140 knots (160 mph) throughout Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
We remind the public of these important safety messages:
When typhoon or tropical storm force winds are present, it is advisable to stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This may delay help.
Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories. Evacuate as necessary. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm. Captain Chase, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam stated “Due to the storm, at a certain point we will have zero ability to respond to emergencies. Please stay out of and off the water.”
Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to areas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to update your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registration and secure them safely to your vessel before a significant storm. These devices often float free from vessels in marinas or at docks during hurricanes and signal distress when there is none. Ensure life rings, lifejackets and small boats are secured. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by typhoons. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared. Area residents should develop a personal or family plan, creating a 14-day disaster supply kit to include any prescriptions, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets.
Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, social media and the Internet. Boaters can track its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information is also available through small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
The Coast Guard will continue to Broadcast Notice to Mariners and send out a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to notify the maritime community of port condition changes.
All maritime waterway users are requested to monitor the progress of this storm and make preparations accordingly. Media interested in conducting interviews with the Coast Guard regarding preparations for the impending storms should contact the Coast Guard Sector Guam public affairs officer at 671-355-4826.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2018 21:32 |
| Story ID: | 291948 |
| Location: | SANTA RITA, GU |
| Web Views: | 325 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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