Typhoon Yutu Warnings In Guam, Storm Could Make Landfall As Category 5

Typhoon Yutu has been packing strength and could hit Guam as a Category 5 storm on Wednesday, weather reports said. Forecasters were warning residents of Saipan and Tinian to expect winds of up to 155 miles per hour late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Governor Eddie Baza Calvo declared Guam in "Condition of Readiness 2" urging the people of the island to prepare for the typhoon. COR 2 means typhoon-strength winds are possible within 24 hours.

The National Weather Service Guam office posted a typhoon warning calling for powerful surf and up to half a foot of rain. Some flights to and from the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport were canceled due to Typhoon Yutu.

“I urge all residents to take stock of their homes and prepare,” Calvo said in a statement. “While we are expecting tropical storm conditions, the storm can shift and bring stronger winds and more rain than we currently expect.”

Authorities also urged residents to watch for price inflation on goods and services purchased for the impending storm. Residents were urged to be at the shelters before damaging winds start.

Eight Guam Department of Education schools will be opened Wednesday for residents to take shelter. Below is the list:

Northern shelters

• Astumbo Elementary School
• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School
• Upi Elementary School
• Machananao Elementary School

Central shelter

• George Washington High School

Southern shelters

• Harry S. Truman Elementary School
• Merizo Martyrs Memorial School
• Talofofo Elementary

The governor also strongly encouraged everyone to remain indoors for the duration of the storm. Following measures must be taken as typhoon Yutu is set to strike Guam, authorities wrote on the Joint Region Marianas Facebook page.

1. Stay up to date – monitor local news, National Weather Service and the Joint Information Center

2. Put up shutters and do not wait for winds to increase this afternoon.

3. Clear loose debris around the yard and "store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds such as canopies, tarps and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives, which is in the next four hours."

4. "Keep emergency preparedness kit readily available, with battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries."

5. "Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag."

6. "Unplug all appliances and ensure energy breakers are switched off once damaging winds approach."

7. Cover beds and furniture with plastic to prevent water damage if the house is located in flood zone.

8. Ensure pets are part of the emergency plans (i.e. have enough supplies, bring them indoors, plan to keep them with a loved one or family member)

9. "Take down any temporary signs, including those for political campaigns, advertisements, and any other wooden or loosely placed items that have the ability to lift in heavy winds and cause damage to life and property."

10. "Do not camp, park, or hike along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning."

Meanwhile, the U. S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Guam established Port Heavy Weather Condition (PHWC) ZULU for the port of Guam.