Guam in COR2 as Tropical Storm Man-yi approaches

Guam went into COR2 at 5 p.m. today as Tropical Storm Man-yi makes its way closer to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to make its closest point of approach to Guam Wednesday morning with winds of up to 39 mph.

Schools that will be used as shelters will be opening Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. for families in homes that can’t withstand strong winds. Schools that will be used as shelters include:
• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School
• George Washington High School
• Talofofo Elementary School

Government officials ask community members going to shelters to bring essential items such as a seven-day supply of food and water, bedding, personal hygiene products, and medication. Important documents like identification and medical records should also be brought.

“It is imperative for the safety of all residents to adhere to the evacuation orders and seek shelter promptly, as the school is part of a network of facilities prepared to provide support during such critical times,” the Offices of Homeland Security and Civil Defense said in a press release.

In preparation for the storm, Guam Power Authority crews were cutting back tree branches that could potentially damage power lines on Tuesday. The Guam Power Authority crews fortified power plants and substations against tropical storm conditions. These preparations include:

● Vegetation management: Although vegetation clearing is conducted year-round, GPA ’s Transmission and Distribution teams are giving special attention to areas known for overgrowth, including excessive trees and bamboo, which can pose risks during storms.

● Emergency staffing: GPA has ensured that appropriate staffing levels are in place to respond to any emergencies, as long as weather conditions permit safe operations.

● Generator readiness: GPA teams are checking and fueling standby generators, including those for water wells, to ensure they are operational and ready to provide backup power if needed.

● Adequate inventory: GPA has worked toward increased inventory to ensure that critical materials and supplies are readily available when needed.

GPA urges all customers to take precautions and safely clear any debris or vegetation around their homes that could become hazardous during the storm. For power-related emergencies or reports of downed power lines, contact GPA ’s Power Systems Control Center (PSCC) Dispatch at (671) 475-1472/3/4.

Customers can also report emergencies via GPA ’s Facebook or Instagram direct messaging services. Customers are asked to refrain from calling unless reporting immediate dangers such as downed lines, poles, or sparking transformers. GPA will continue to run the island-wide power system and keep the power on for as long as the feeders/circuits remain intact.

The Department of Public Works also issued a memo telling candidates of the recent election to remove their signs. mbj