23 May 2023 | 03:27 PM UTC
North Pacific: Super Typhoon Mawar tracking northwestward toward Guam as of late May 23 /update 4
Super Typhoon Mawar tracking northwestward in the North Pacific Ocean as of late May 23. Landfall likely over Guam May 24.
Event
Typhoon Mawar is tracking northwestward in the North Pacific Ocean late May 23. As of 22:00 ChST, the storm was approximately 211 km (131 miles) southeast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Forecast models indicate that Mawar will strengthen slightly as it continues to track northwest before making landfall over southern Guam early afternoon May 24. After passing Guam, the system is expected to maintain Super Typhoon strength as it tracks west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea late May 24-early May 27. Mawar then is expected to weaken into a typhoon as it turns to track northwestward over the western Philippine Sea May 27-28. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.
Authorities have issued typhoon warnings for Guam and Rota. Tropical storm warnings and typhoon watches have been issued for Saipan and Tinian. Flood watches and coastal flood warnings are in place for Guam and all the Northern Marianas Islands through the afternoon of May 25. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.
Authorities in Guam have ordered residents in all low-lying, flood-prone, and coastal areas to evacuate by 18:00 ChST May 23; all other residents are advised to remain indoors during the passing of the storm. Crews have opened 12 emergency shelters in advance of the storm. A state of emergency was declared in Guam on May 22 and authorities approved an emergency declaration for the Northern Mariana Islands May 23 to allow for additional resources and assistance due to the potential impacts of the storms. Officials have suspended all commercial traffic in ports in Guam. Authorities in the Northern Marianas Islands canceled public school classes from May 23. Officials at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) have canceled most flights. United Airlines (UA) canceled most flights to and from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands May 23-24. Further cancellations and delays to other flights are likely as the storm approaches and weather conditions deteriorate.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at other regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a severe health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical cyclone conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
