11 Sep 2024 | 02:59 AM UTC
Phillippine Sea: Tropical Depression Bebinca tracking west-northwestward away from Guam as of the afternoon of Sept. 11 /update 2
TD Bebinca tracking west-northwestward in the Philippine Sea the afternoon of Sept. 11. Landfall over Amami Islands, Japan, late Sept. 14.
Tropical Depression Bebinca is tracking west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea away from Guam the afternoon of Sept. 11. As of 13:00 ChST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 272 km (169 miles) west of Navsta, Guam.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will strengthen into a tropical storm over the coming hours as it tracks northwestward away from Guam through late Sept. 11. The system is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon late Sept. 12 as it tracks north-northwestward and then northwestward across the Philippine Sea through Sept. 14 before making another landfall over the Amami Islands, Japan, later the same day. Bebinca is forecast to track northwestward across the East China Sea toward Zhejiang Province, China, through early Sept. 16. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Sept. 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tropical storm warning across Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, as well as flood watches, high surf warnings, and coastal flood advisories across the islands.
Guam remains under Condition of Readiness 3 (COR3) due to the effects of the storm. Under COR3, officials advise residents to ensure objects are secured and have supplies on hand, such as food, gasoline, and cash. Schools are closed, and Maria Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo is open as a shelter for residents who need to seek refuge.
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.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm 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.
