Typhoon Watch

...CHAMPI UPGRADED TO TYPHOON AND BARRELING TOWARD THE MARIANAS...

.NEW INFORMATION... None.

.AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides information and recommended action for people on Guam, and people on Rota, Tinian and Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

.Watches/Warnings... A Typhoon Warning continues for Guam and Rota.

A Tropical Storm Warning and a Typhoon Watch continue for Tinian and Saipan.

A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Please listen closely for any Flood Warnings that might be in effect for your area.

Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards.

.STORM INFORMATION... At 100 PM ChST, the center of Typhoon Champi (29W) was located near latitude 12.5N and longitude 148.0E. This was about 225 miles east- southeast of Guam. Storm motion was west-northwest, 290 degrees, at 18 mph. Storm intensity has increased to 100 mph, making it a Category 2 typhoon. This general forecast track will take Champi just south of Guam as a Category 3 typhoon as it intensifies further the next few days.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... Showers and winds will continue to steadily increase the rest of today, to then deteriorate significantly tonight as newly upgraded Typhoon Champi continues to move in from the east-southeast. Champi is undergoing a period of rapid intensification, strengthening further as the day goes on. The most recent storm tracks continue to indicate Champi passing either south, or over, Guam Sunday morning, which may potentially bring devastating wind conditions to much of Guam during passage. Winds and rain will come in rapidly, with winds becoming dangerous and life threatening very soon after onset. Do not let a false sense of normalcy now dictate your actions tomorrow; prepare NOW!