Super Typhoon continues its movement away from the Marianas

“We really can’t get any closer than what we had without having a direct hit and significant and catastrophic impacts of a super typhoon striking Guam,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge in a 9 a.m. press briefing on Sunday Morning, Oct. 18.

Super Typhoon Champi continues to move quickly away from the Marianas at 16 miles per hour with 150 mile per hour sustained winds according to Aydlett, whose team has been hard at work giving us updates on the storm. At 7 a.m. Sunday morning, it shifted slightly north, “just south of the southern tip of Guam.” The storm was “extremely close,” he said.

Aydlett shared that his team will be heading out to survey the damage. However, from reports they have been receiving, it seems that “people fared okay.” Near the Guam International Airport, gusts have reached up to 84 miles per hour according to Aydlett. He warns that Guam will continue to see windy conditions as the island progresses into midday.

For Saipan, winds have not reached tropical storm levels, but the island has seen gusts up to 45 miles per hour. Saipan and Tinian are projected to see winds throughout the day. Typhoon warnings remain in effect for Guam and Rota. In addition, tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Saipan and Tinian until there is no more threat of tropical storm positions. Aydlett urged residents to wait for the “All Clear” from the Governor’s Office as the island waits for the remainder of heavy conditions to dissipate.