Super Typhoon Champi made its closest approach to Guam early this morning, passing roughly 10 miles south of the village of Merizo at around 4:26 a.m. after strengthening to super typhoon status. The island remains under both a Typhoon Warning and a Flash Flood Warning as the storm grinds past.
The worst of the typhoon-force winds are concentrated over southern Guam, including the Merizo area, with damaging gusts expected to ease gradually through the afternoon. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are still pushing across the island, and forecasters warn that flash flooding is possible in low-lying areas, on roadways and anywhere with poor drainage.
Emergency managers have kept Guam at Condition of Readiness 1, the highest alert level. The advice from the Joint Information Center and the National Weather Service is blunt: stay inside a solid, concrete-reinforced structure and away from windows until COR 4 is declared. Anyone caught in a temporary lull should not assume the danger has passed — winds can return suddenly and, in the storm's words of caution, conditions outside may be life-threatening.
Once the storm moves on, hazards will linger. Downed power lines and fallen tree branches are likely to block roads, and officials are urging people not to touch lines or debris, and not to drive. Dangerous surf and coastal flooding are also expected, so the coastline is off-limits until further notice.
If you're travelling to or within Guam right now, expect flight disruptions and road closures for at least the next day or two, and follow official JIC and NWS channels rather than social media rumours before moving anywhere. Hotels will typically keep guests informed and sheltered in place — the safest move is to stay put until authorities confirm the all-clear.
