by Jason Salas, KUAM News Monday, April 02, 2007 Subscribe to Jason's newsfeed   E-mail this article Printable version KUAM Toolbar Web Widgets Get RSS headlines

After a few brief moments of concern, Guam is back to having to worry about only a single natural event. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center called off the Tsunami Watch for Guam, according to the Governor's Office, shortly before 9am. However, the "other" issue of the day - Tropical Storm Kong-Rey - continues to build in intensity as it heads northwest towards Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The storm is continuing on its track at about 11 miles per hour and Guam continues to be in Condition of Readiness Level "2", with winds expected to get near storm intensity tonight through the weep hours of Tuesday. The Government of Guam urges island residents to secure their homes, buy materials, fuel vehicles and and take appropriate measures to prepare for the storm's arrival.

The National Weather Service projects that Guam will feel winds blowing at 39 MPH starting at 9pm tonight. The storm is packing maximum sustained speeds of 80 MPH with higher gusts. The storm is still about 400 miles to the east-southeast of Guam and Rota.

In preparation for the storm, Guam's public transit system will be ceasing service at noon today until further notice. All GovGuam employees are still ordered to report to work today to secure worksites and carry out respective disaster preparedness plans. This includes Guam Public School System teachers, who should take the necessary actions to secure their classrooms. Government offices will remain open throughout the day unless advised otherwise.