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A typhoon in Micronesia expected to strengthen this weekend is moving northwest toward Guam, prompting U.S. officials to issue warnings focused on flooding and high winds, according to AccuWeather and U.S. agencies.
In a statement Saturday, AccuWeather International Meteorologist Tyler Roys said Typhoon Sinlaku could reach the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane when it passes near or just south of Guam early next week. Roys said the storm is “a serious threat to the island of Guam.”
Roys added that Sinlaku would “produce destructive winds and flooding rainfall,” and that the conditions are likely to lead to power outages and structural damage. He also said flash flooding could become a major issue on Guam because the storm may deliver heavy rain in a short time and saturated ground can raise the risk of mudslides.
The U.S. Coast Guard issued warnings to people in the U.S. territory to take precautions as the storm’s forecast track approaches. The Coast Guard also moved its cutters out of Apra Harbor so they can respond after the storm, including for emergency needs such as search and rescue missions.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center said it was possible that Sinlaku could reach typhoon strength by Saturday and approach Guam on Monday night into Tuesday. The National Weather Service Guam warned that, after being located in Chuuk State on Saturday, the storm could soon take aim for the Marianas.
A typhoon watch covering Guam also extended to nearby islands including Rota, Tinian and Saipan, officials in Guam said. The watch covers potential winds of 74 mph (119 kph) or more over the next 48 hours, with local officials preparing to open emergency shelters.