22 May 2023 | 03:35 AM UTC
North Pacific: Typhoon Mawar tracking north-northwestward in the North Pacific Ocean as of early May 22 /update 2
Typhoon Mawar is tracking north-northwestward in the North Pacific Ocean as of early May 22. Close approach to Guam and Rota early May 24.
Event
Typhoon Mawar is tracking north-northwestward in the North Pacific Ocean early May 22. As of 05:00 ChST, the storm is located 200 km (124 miles) north-northeast of Satawal, Micronesia. Forecast models indicate that Mawar will strengthen further and make a close approach to Guam and Rota early May 24, passing between the islands. The storm is then forecast to strengthen further while turning to track west-northwestwards through, passing well north of Yap early May 26 and Palau early May 27. 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 and tropical storm warnings for Saipan and Tinian. Flood watches are in place for Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian through the afternoon of May 25. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.
Ports in Guam have suspended all commercial traffic. Authorities in the Northern Marianas Islands canceled public school classes May 22-23 and have prepared emergency shelters to be activated if typhoon conditions are imminent.
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 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.
