The Marianas are bracing for severe weather as Tropical Storm Champi steadily strengthens east of the region, prompting weather authorities to issue typhoon watches and forcing local tourism officials to postpone major regional events.
According to advisories from the National Weather Service Guam, Tropical Storm Champi is forecast to intensify into a Category 2 typhoon before passing very near or directly over Guam late Sunday morning. A typhoon watch and a flood watch remain in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Guam has been placed in Condition of Readiness 3 (COR 3), as of Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:00 P.M. ChST.
In response to the approaching storm, the Northern Mariana Islands raised its readiness level. NMI Gov. David M. Apatang, placed Saipan, Tinian, and Rota under Typhoon Condition III, indicating that typhoon conditions are expected within 48 hours. Guam remains under Condition of Readiness 3. The approaching storm has already begun disrupting business operations and regional tourism initiatives.
The Guam Visitors Bureau announced the postponement of the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair, which was scheduled to take place Oct. 23 to 25 at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach. Régine Biscoe Lee, president and CEO of GVB, said the decision was made to prioritize safety and allow communities time to prepare and recover.
"GMIF is about bringing our Micronesian community together to celebrate our shared cultures and traditions," Lee said. "We want to make sure our participants and our neighboring islands have the opportunity to take part safely. Right now, the well-being of our communities must come first."
GVB noted that venue preparation and vendor setup were slated to begin next week, making early postponement necessary to avoid logistical complications and potential safety hazards. A new date for the event will be announced following coordination with regional partners.
As of Friday morning, Champi was located roughly 800 miles east of Guam, moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center.
Meteorologists warn that regional weather and sea conditions will deteriorate significantly throughout Saturday, with dangerous surf reaching 15 to 20 feet and heavy rainfall accumulation of six to 12 inches expected across the islands through Sunday. Local emergency management agencies are advising residents and business owners to secure outdoor property, clear drainage areas, and finalize disaster preparations while weather conditions remain favorable. mbj
