Guam officials are opening five emergency evacuation centers Sunday morning as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the Mariana Islands.
The shelters will open at 7 a.m. Sunday, July 5, at Machananao Elementary School, Astumbo Elementary School, Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School, Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School and Talofofo Elementary School.
Residents who expect to need emergency shelter are being urged to go to the nearest evacuation center before conditions deteriorate.
Transportation to the shelters is available through village mayor’s offices. Residents who need transportation should contact their mayor’s office as soon as possible.
Guam is under Condition of Readiness 2, and a Typhoon Warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
As of 7 p.m. Saturday, the center of Super Typhoon Bavi was about 380 miles east of Guam, moving west at 8 mph with sustained winds of 165 mph.
The latest forecast track takes Bavi near or just north of Rota, though officials warned the track could still change. All islands are expected to see impacts, with the worst conditions near the center of the storm.
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to begin early Sunday evening. On Guam, maximum winds are forecast at 50 to 70 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph.
Destructive typhoon-force winds are expected early Monday morning through early Monday afternoon as Bavi passes through the region.
Officials are warning of damaging winds, widespread power outages, downed power poles, falling trees and damage to homes.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Guam through late Tuesday night. Heavy rain could cause flash flooding and mudslides.
Dangerous coastal conditions are also expected. Large breaking waves of 25 to 35 feet are possible, along with storm surge and coastal flooding. Near the storm’s center, coastal inundation could approach 15 feet.
Residents using an emergency shelter should bring food and water for seven days, bedding, hygiene supplies, medications, infant supplies if needed, photo identification and important documents.
The Guam Police Department has activated an all-hands response and will assign officers to each evacuation center to provide security and assist with shelter operations.
Officials are urging residents to finish storm preparations, secure loose outdoor items, clear drains, prepare emergency food and water supplies, fuel vehicles and generators, and stay away from beaches and coastal areas.
