The U.S. Pacific island remained on highest alert with most government functions shut down as tropical-storm-force wind and rain lashed its west coast.
At 11:20 a.m. (9:20 p.m. Thursday ET), Francisco, a category 2 storm, was about 125 miles west of the island and was moving northwest at 10 mph. The National Weather Service said the storm had unexpectedly maintained its strength as its eastern edge hit the island, and a tropical storm warning remained in effect.
Sustained winds of 40 mph were expected to continue through the afternoon, with gusts above 50 mph. Sea levels were 5 feet above normal as the storm dropped heavy showers across the island.
The government was closed, along with all schools and banks, after Gov. Eddie Calvo declared a Condition of Readiness 1, the highest alert.
Guam's three U.S. military bases, which follow a different standard, were at moderate alert, with only some non-essential services suspended, the Navy said Friday morning.
Visiting hours were suspended at Guam Memorial Hospital, but the hospital was accepting patients, and all late-term pregnant women were asked to check in so they wouldn't be stranded if they went into labor. The hospital said it would admit all such women until it was safe for them to return home.
No comments:
Post a Comment