LOS ANGELES — Guam, a distant US island territory within the Pacific, is bracing for a attainable direct hit from Super Typhoon Mawar, which might unleash lethal winds, torrential rains and excessive flooding.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas, particularly in flood-prone southern villages.
“Be in a solid reinforced concrete structure TONIGHT. Worst conditions Wednesday,” warned NWS Guam in a tweet.
As of seven:00 p.m. Tuesday Guam time (0900 GMT, 5 p.m. Philippines time), the storm was 140 miles (225 kilometers) southeast of Guam, packing most sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph), the state forecaster stated in an advisory.
Winds might gust as much as 190 mph (305 kph) close to the attention wall, bringing main injury to buildings and houses made of sunshine supplies, similar to non-concrete roofs and partitions that aren’t product of bolstered concrete.
The NWS added: “The triple threat of cat 4 typhoon force winds, torrential rains and life-threatening storm surge are all expected for Guam.
“Large storm surge and coastal impacts are more likely to happen, notably for coastal areas simply north of the attention of Mawar on the east to southeast sides of Guam.”
Guam could receive rainfall of 10 to 15 inches, the weather service said, with some areas experiencing 20 inches or more.
These in turn could trigger landslides in the central and southern parts of the island, the weather service warned.
In a Facebook post, Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero warned the island’s 170,000 residents to “SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY” with the onset of damaging winds anticipated even earlier than the storm strikes in full pressure.
People have been requested to remain inside and away from home windows, and never enterprise outdoors throughout momentary lulls as flying particles may cause critical harm.
President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Guam on Tuesday in order that federal assist could be offered to the island, in keeping with an announcement from the White House.
About 60 flights departing from or arriving in Guam and scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday have been canceled, A.B. Won Pat International Airport stated.
Conditions are predicted to enhance on Thursday. — Agence France-Presse
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
