12 Nov 2024 | 11:53 PM UTC
N. Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Man-yi tracking southwestward off Guam as of early Nov. 13 /update 4
TS Man-yi tracking southwestward in North Pacific Ocean early Nov. 13. Close approach to Guam ongoing.
Tropical Storm Man-yi is tracking southwestward in the North Pacific Ocean early Nov. 13. As of 07:00 ChST, the system's center of circulation was 61 km (38 miles) southeast of Guam.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will pass just south of Guam through the afternoon of Nov. 13 before continuing generally west-southwestward as it strengthens further into a typhoon through the evening of Nov. 14. Man-yi is forecast to strengthen further as it gradually turns to track northwestward towards the northern Philippines Nov. 15 through early Nov. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.
Tropical storm warnings are in place for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian through Nov. 13. Very strong winds are forecast, causing hazardous seas. Hazardous surf conditions are likely, especially across the windward-facing shores. Guam officials moved the territory to Condition of Readiness 2 (COR 2) at 17:00 Nov. 12. Under COR 2, schools and nonessential government offices will close. Authorities upgraded the warning to COR 1 as of early Nov. 13. A state of emergency is in place in Guam. Around 13 flights at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) are delayed Nov. 13. One flight from Saipan and one flight to Tokyo's Narita International (NRT) from the airport are canceled Nov. 13. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.
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, rendering 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 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.
