23 May 2023 | 04:24 AM UTC
North Pacific: Typhoon Mawar tracking northward southeast of Guam as of early May 23 /update 3
Typhoon Mawar is tracking northward in southeast of Guam as of early May 23. Landfall likely early May 24.
Event
Typhoon Mawar is tracking northward in the North Pacific Ocean early May 23. As of 05:00 ChST, the storm is 352 km (219 miles) southeast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Forecast models indicate that Mawar will turn to track northeastward while strengthening further before making landfall over Guam early May 24. The storm is then forecast to strengthen into a super typhoon early May 26 while tracking west-northwestwards towards far northern Philippines, 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 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 the flood-prone areas of Hagat, Humatak, Inalahan, Malesso', and Talo'fo'fo', including Ipan, to evacuate and seek shelter; crews have opened 12 emergency shelters in advance of the storm. Officials have suspended all commercial traffic in ports in Guam. Authorities in the Northern Marianas Islands canceled public school classes May 23. Officials at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) have canceled most flights. United Airlines (UA) has tentatively canceled a majority of flights in Guam the afternoon of May 23 and all flights May 24. Cancellations and delays of other flights across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands 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.
