Heavy Rains Cause Flooding on Guam; Practice Extreme Caution

Heavy Rains Cause Flooding on Guam; Practice Extreme Caution

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero met with key officials early this morning at the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) to discuss plans in place for any flood impacts for the island and to receive a brief update from the National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office, about what is expected. NWS advised 2-3 inches of rain has already fallen each day and an additional 1-2 inches is possible today. The ground is already saturated, causing flooding and overflow.

 

As the monsoon trough continues across the Marianas, bringing heavy winds and rains, partner agencies are working to mitigate the effects as much as possible. Governor Leon Guerrero has directed the Guam Army National Guard (GUNG) engineers from the 1224th Engineer Support Company to work closely with the Department of Public Works with road clearing assets and personnel to clear debris from storm drains and roadways, as needed.

 

GHS/OCD, along with the Office of the Governor, is working closely with the Mayors Council of Guam to identify flood prone locations and stage proper equipment to mitigate flood impacts. This is an ongoing effort as rain is expected throughout the rest of the week.  

 

NWS maintain the flash flood watch in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Wednesday night. Flash flooding could become life-threatening very quickly and there is a possibility for mud slides or landslides in torrential rain, especially in the south.

 

The MCoG has reported flooding in the following areas:

  • Santa Ana Ln., Asan
  • Nino Perdido St., Asan
  • Chalan Palsyo, across War Pacific Museum, Adelup
  • Dairy Rd., Mangilao
  • Assumption Rd., Piti
  • A. Quenga St., Piti
  • Mary ‘n Peling St., Piti
  • Masso River, Piti
  • Belen Avenue, going up to Inarajan Middle School
  • Pale Duenas, leading to Inarajan Swimming Pool
  • Old Ysrael Apartments
  • Malojloj Highway, across the former Poultry Farm
  • Umatac Bridge Area
  • Jose A. Quinata St., Umatac
  • San Dionisio St., across GWA Station and uphill towards Ft. Soledad, Umatac
  • Barcinas/Baza area, Merizo
  • Doma Cruz area, Merizo
  • Espinosa Avenue Bridge, Merizo
  • Quinene Rd., Merizo

 

Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary actions:

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Immediately move to higher ground if flash flooding occurs. Water levels can rise rapidly and sweep people away. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away
  • Stay away from storm drains, culverts, creeks, and streams. 
  • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. If the water is moving, do not leave the car.
  • Avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks while the advisories are in place. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
  • Visit https://www.ready.gov/floods to learn more.

 

GHS/OCD remind residents and visitors to practice extreme caution while traveling in rainy conditions, driving below the speed limit and allowing enough braking distance between vehicles. Avoid floodwaters and use alternate routes if flooding is encountered.


To report impassable roads, contact GHS/OCD at (671) 475-9600. For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.

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