GUAM — Guam remains under Condition of Readiness 1 as Typhoon Champi approaches the island, with officials warning of dangerous, life-threatening conditions into Sunday.
As of Saturday evening, Champi was a Category 4 typhoon about 145 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Officials said the storm could pass just south of or over southern Guam early Sunday morning, with winds of up to 150 mph possible. The closest point of approach is expected between 4 and 6 a.m.
Residents are being told to remain inside sturdy, concrete-reinforced structures and not go outside even if conditions temporarily appear calm. Life-threatening coastal flooding is expected, particularly in southern villages, and a flash flood warning is in effect.
The Astumbo Elementary School Emergency Evacuation Center has reached capacity and is no longer accepting additional residents. Other evacuation centers remain open at Machananao Elementary, Maria A. Ulloa Elementary, George Washington High School, Talofofo Elementary and Inarajan Middle School.
Power outages and fluctuations are expected as winds intensify. The Guam Power Authority said it does not plan to intentionally shut down the island-wide system, but damaged circuits could cause outages. Crews will stop field work when conditions become unsafe.
The Guam Waterworks Authority said 101 production wells remained online Saturday night and that water and wastewater treatment plants were operating normally. Residents could still experience low or no water pressure if power problems affect wells, pumps or reservoirs.
Officials continue to urge residents to remain sheltered until Condition of Readiness 4 is announced.
