‘Guam will take the hit’: Champi strengthens to Category 4 typhoon

Typhoon Champi is now expected to be a Category 4 storm, with winds of 130 to 156 mph and gusts of more than 180 mph, when it makes its closest approach to Guam.

Along with its rapid intensification, the storm’s fast forward speed of 15 to 18 mph has moved the closest point of approach earlier, to Sunday morning, than some typhoon models had previously forecast.

As of 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Champi was about 145 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, according to the Joint Information Center.
Champi is expected to pass just south of or over southern Guam as a super typhoon, with winds of 150 mph possible, JIC officials said.

Joint Typhoon Warning Center models show Champi making its closest approach to Guam at about 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, about 25 miles south of Naval Base Guam.

Brandon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Guam, said a slight northward wobble could bring the storm directly over Guam. He warned that if residents notice calm conditions early Sunday, the eye of the typhoon is likely passing over.

Landon Aydlett, a warning coordination meteorologist with the weather service, said Champi will be a “significant hit to Guam” and residents can expect “some intense conditions with the passage just south of Guam.”

“Saipan, Tinian and Rota, you can breathe a little easier … Guam will take the hit for this one,” Landon Aydlett said.

However, he said the islands north of Guam could still see severe tropical storm-force conditions, easing farther north.

Meteorologists and government officials continue to urge residents to stay indoors until officials declare Condition of Readiness 4.