Guam Homeland Security, Civil Defense and weather officials are closely monitoring Tropical Depression Atsanti. As of 9 o’clock this morning the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Guam. This means that damaging winds of 39-73 MPH are possible from a tropical storm or developing storm generally within 48 hours.

During a Heavy Weather Briefing held this morning, NWS Landon Adylett said that tropical storm winds with sustained 39 mph are not expected but are possible if Atsanti deviates northward in its track.

According to the NWS east winds becoming southeast are expected by this evening between 20-25 miles per hour with gusts up to between 30-40 miles per hour. Combined seas of 5-7 feet today will build between 6-9 feet this evening and peak between eight and ten feet overnight.

6-8 feet surf along east reefs will build to between seven to nine feet tonight. There will be a high risk of rip currents along east reefs, and could later extend to south facing exposures.

Meanwhile a Small Craft Advisory is currently in effect for Guam until Saturday at 6:00pm. A High Surf Advisory is not in effect at this time, but according to the National Weather Service says it could be possible later today and that there will be a high risk of rip currents.

Residents with canopies up or candidates with political signs posted are advised to take them down as a precaution.