By Barbara Brown
Champi. That's the name Tropical Depression 06W may have if it's upgraded to a tropical storm before any other weather system snags it.
"[National Weather Service] advised the next storm name may be Champi, unless there are changes to other systems before then," Civil Defense spokeswoman Jenna Blas said.
In preparation for the impending storm, Kandit asked Ms. Blas and Guam Power Authority's Patti Long Diego for information about government operations, trash service for tomorrow, and what phone numbers residents should call if their power goes out.
Please note that, with the exception of the GPA phone numbers, the following information can change over the next several hours, depending on what Mother Nature decides she wants 06W to do:
"Government services will remain operational tomorrow [Tuesday] unless there are further changes to the COR levels," Ms. Blas said. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero at 6 p.m. Monday placed Guam in Condition of Readiness 3 out of an abundance of caution due to the timing of 06W's anticipated strengthening into a tropical storm. GovGuam does not shut down normal operations until COR2 is declared, though.
Therefore, as of the publication of this story at 7:30 p.m. Monday, government operations are expected to continue as normal Tuesday. That includes trash service.
"Trash service will continue tomorrow," Ms. Blas said. "The guidance is to secure your bins as best as possible in anticipation of heavier winds."
Power outages are not uncommon as storms approach the island. Neither are hazardous conditions the winds bring about that lead to felled trees hitting power lines, downed power lines, and damage to weaker poles.
Ms. Diego provided the GPA dispatch 24-hour phone numbers if you need to report a power outage or a hazardous condition affecting the electricity system:
GPA Trouble Dispatch Desk (671) 475-1472/3/4.
The National Weather Service will be providing the public a live update on the storm at 8 p.m. Monday. Kandit will cover the presentation live. Join us. Be safe.
