Governor declares state of emergency

by Jason Salas

In preparation for the passage of Tropical Storm 18W later this afternoon, Governor Felix Camacho signed an emergency declaration for Guam, authorizing $250,000 in General Fund appropriations.  This money will be used for the preparation and recovery should the storm hit. 

For the time being, Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 1.  The National Weather Service say the storm is expected to pass very close to Guam as a minimal tropical storm late this afternoon.  Maximum sustained winds are 40 miles per hour.  An urban small stream flood advisory was issued, indicating that river or stream flows are elevated or the ponding of water in urban areas is occurring or is imminent.

The Guam Office of Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense estimates that 250 people have taken refuge in the island's various public shelters.