Guam and the island’s military bases were placed in Condition of Readiness 1 and Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1 at 4 p.m. Monday as Typhoon Sinlaku moved closer to the Marianas.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus announced the change in status, warning that destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours. Officials issued a clear message to residents: do not leave your homes until COR 4 is announced.
Dangerous weather expected through Wednesday
According to the National Weather Service forecast update provided to the Government of Guam at 3 p.m., hazardous weather conditions are expected from Monday evening through Wednesday night.
Officials said Guam can expect tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more, with damaging sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph and gusts up to 65 mph from early Tuesday morning through Tuesday night. Heavy rain is also expected, with peak conditions forecast for Tuesday and the closest point of approach to Guam expected late Tuesday afternoon.
Residents are also being urged to stay out of the water, with dangerous sea conditions expected to continue through Thursday.
Military access reduced to mission-essential personnel
At TCCOR 1, military installations have shifted to mission-essential personnel only. Officials said only mission-essential personnel should access military facilities until an all-clear notification is issued after winds fall below 50 knots and installations are surveyed for damage.
Installation access points are expected to close as conditions require. Hospital access points will remain open only for emergency services, including ambulance traffic and people seeking emergency medical care. JTF-M is also coordinating with federal, territorial and local partners for a rapid response if needed.
Tax deadline extended as stores and pharmacies close
The governor also issued Executive Order No. 2026-02, extending Guam territorial income tax filing and payment deadlines from April 15 to May 15. During the 30-day extension period, penalties and interest for late filing and payment will be suspended.
The Joint Information Center said several businesses closed in response to COR 1, including 7 Day Supermarket, Agana Shopping Center, American Grocery, Cost.U.Less, Guam Premier Outlets, Happy Mart, Home Depot, Kmart, Micronesia Mall, Pay-Less Supermarkets and Village of Donki. Officials also said all local pharmacies had closed as of COR 1.
Shelter population rises as one school stops taking evacuees
Emergency shelter occupancy continued to climb Monday afternoon. As of 4:02 p.m., 761 people were staying in shelters across Guam, with Machananao Elementary School at 304 occupants, or 91% of capacity. Officials said Machananao can no longer accept additional people, and new evacuees will be redirected to Astumbo Elementary School and Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School.
Astumbo Elementary School had 205 occupants, or 71% of capacity, while Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School had 144, or 41%. George Washington High School had 55 occupants, Merizo Martyrs Memorial School had 23, Talo’fo’fo Elementary School had 16 and Inalahan Middle School had 14.
Hospitals maintain essential care as dialysis centers prepare to close
For medical emergencies or life-threatening conditions, officials said residents should call 911.
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority and Guam Regional Medical City both continue to provide essential hospital services, including 24/7 emergency room operations and inpatient care. GMHA said elective outpatient and clinical procedures are suspended and visiting hours remain restricted, with only approved patient watchers permitted. Officials warned residents to expect limited movement and possible delays due to weather conditions and urged them to seek care only when necessary.
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services said the Northern Region Community Health Center and Southern Region Community Health Center remain open for non-emergency, minor, non-urgent and urgent but stable care, along with basic medical care and nursing services. Oxygen-dependent patients may be seen if they bring their own portable oxygen concentrator and nebulizer, though dialysis patients cannot be supported at community clinics.
All Fresenius Dialysis Centers will be closed Tuesday, April 14. Officials advised dialysis patients to follow emergency renal diet instructions and monitor fluid management during the storm.
Officials warn of scams, fraud and misinformation
The Mariana Regional Fusion Center is also warning residents that storm preparation and recovery periods are prime times for criminal exploitation.
Officials said residents should watch for price gouging, post-storm contractor fraud, government or utility impersonators and robocalls or phishing messages tied to Typhoon Sinlaku relief. The MRFC said residents should also report suspicious activity such as fake badges or placards, unauthorized surveillance of critical infrastructure, attempts to enter restricted areas, unusual questioning about emergency operations, and theft or diversion of emergency supplies.
The agency urged the public to rely only on official government sources for weather and recovery information, warning that misinformation on social media can interfere with emergency response efforts.
Federal emergency declaration approved ahead of landfall
Officials also said President Trump approved Gov. Leon Guerrero’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration ahead of Typhoon Sinlaku’s landfall.
Under that declaration, FEMA is authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts in designated areas of Guam. The declaration allows FEMA to provide emergency protective measures through direct federal assistance at 75% federal funding. Andrew F. Grant has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations.
Illegal dumping could worsen flooding, officials say
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency is reminding residents that illegal dumping during storms can increase flood risks by clogging drains and contaminating waterways.
Officials said abandoning debris or waste can block drainage systems, worsen property damage and lead to criminal penalties. Residents are being asked to use official disposal sites and report suspicious dumping, including the date, time, location, type of waste and vehicle information, to report@epa.guam.gov. Illegal dumping can result in fines of $1,000 or more.
Crisis lifeline remains available
Officials said the GBHWC Suicide and Crisis Lifeline remains available 24/7. Community members can call or text 988 or use online chat services for help.
