by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Governor's Office determined that the unfavorable weather within the region due to Tropical Storm Francisco does not pose a significant threat to public school students and faculty, so classes will be held as normal today. Adelup issued the following:

Public schools will be open today. So will the government of Guam. Governor Calvo just finished briefing with weather officials and made this decision. He has directed the Department of Public Works to mobilize school buses as usual.

Francisco slowed its course about 185 miles southwest of Guam. It moved further southwest than weather officials originally thought. Over the night, the storm was moving at about 17MPH. Weather officials believe the storm has slowed substantially, right about to make a sharp turn north-northwest. Whether this turn will be made toward, close to, or away from the island still remains to be seen. The next few hours are critical. Weather officials believe this storm may intensify even more, with damaging winds now possible tomorrow, rather than today.