The island community should brace for heavy showers and gusty winds the next few days as Tropical Depression 32W, formerly Invest 90W, is expected to intensify.  While emergency officials say the system won’t make a direct passage or landfall in the Marianas, resident and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures. 

Weather officials are keeping their eye on the weather system now know as Tropical Depression 32W, which could strengthen into a tropical storm and even a typhoon by Thursday night.  As of 1:30pm Wednesday, the latest forecast put 32W about 365 miles south-southwest of Guam. 

National Weather Service meteorologist Brandon Aydlett explained, "It’s been fairly stagnant with a tropical depression category. We’re peaked right now at 35 miles per hour. As soon as it starts to really consolidate, that’s when we expect to start seeing some motions to the northwest, passing through the northeast of Yap tomorrow, then the onset of the intensification is going to continue well into the weekend."

While it won’t make direct passage or landfall in our region, the main impacts remain strong winds and heavy rain.  Residents can expect sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour with gusts up to 40, and rainfall totals of 4-8" through Friday.

Aydlett continued, "As these lines lift northward over Guam, we’re to see periods of heavier showers coming and going, bringing much stronger gusts. That gust and rainfall potential increases tonight and into Thursday, before we ultimately start to see winds subside slightly, but the wet pattern will continue into the weekend."

The Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense says to be on alert for flooding, mudslides and even possible landslides in steep terrain.  That concern is real with October’s landslide in East Agana still being top of mind. 

"It’s clearly on a lot of people’s minds," he said. "I know DPW was doing some pre-emptive preparations, putting some barriers up at that location. That is one of the things we always encourage, when we applaud taking a proactive stance. We do have flood watch in effect. Part of those precautions is for residents and business owners to take any action around their area, whether it’s too clear storm drains, clearing the gutter pipes, and making sure the water can flow to where it needs to go."

A Flood Watch remains in effect for Guam and Rota through Friday afternoon. A High Surf Advisory is also posted for the entire island chain– surf could reach 9-11', with a high risk of rip currents. Officials are urging residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roads, and report any signs of landslides immediately.

"We just got to be prepared. Especially for drivers, just practice safe driving as you encounter heavy showers," Aydlett said. "Increase distance between other cars and anticipate longer distances to slow down if you have to slam on the brakes."