National Weather Service Issues Flood Advisory for Central and Northern Guam

The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for central to northern Guam until 7:15 AM on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The advisory is in effect due to heavy rainfall in the area, which is expected to cause flooding in urban and small stream areas.

A weak trade wind surge is expected to bring a few more showers to Guam and Rota today through Wednesday morning. Moderate trades and combined seas of 4 to 6 feet will prevail through the weekend for the coastal waters, with a moderate risk of rip currents along north and east facing reefs.

Heavy rain has already caused between 0.6 and 1.5 inches of rainfall, and additional rainfall of 0.6 to 1.5 inches is expected. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as driving below the speed limit and allowing enough braking distance between vehicles.

Parts of Mangilao and Barrigada were reported to be flooded, including in front of Mangilao church and the National Guard. The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense have reminded the community to practice caution while traveling in heavy rain.

Why this matters: The flood advisory highlights the potential dangers posed by heavy rainfall and flooding, even in urban areas. Residents and visitors need to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during such weather events.

A red flag warning is also in effect for Guam due to a very high fire danger, and any fires that develop could spread rapidly. The weather pattern is expected to be wetter for Palau, FSM, and southern Marshall Islands, and drier elsewhere, with extreme to exceptional drought persisting across the Marianas, Yap State, and the northern Marshall Islands.

Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay updated on the latest weather information and take necessary measures to stay safe. "Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as driving below the speed limit and allowing enough braking distance between vehicles," the National Weather Service stated in its advisory.

Key Takeaways

• Flood advisory issued for central to northern Guam until 7:15 AM on 4/24/2024.
• Heavy rainfall expected to cause flooding in urban and small stream areas.
• Parts of Mangilao and Barrigada reported flooded, residents advised to use caution.
• Red flag warning in effect for Guam due to very high fire danger.
• Extreme to exceptional drought persisting across Marianas, Yap, and northern Marshall Islands.