In general, the more intense the storm, and the closer you are to the right-front quadrant, the greater threat you face from storm surge. The right-front quadrant is the area near the center of a storm, just off to the right and ahead of the storms line of passage and that area produces the highest wind speeds found in the storm. How this affects Guam is illustrated in the image below. Here you see four different lines of passage, each representing a different storm scenario and the location of the maximum wind speed. If the typhoon passes to our south or west, as in figures (a) and (c), the villages of Talafofo, Inarajan and Merizo are most likely to see storm surge. If the typhoon passes to our north through northeast, as in figures (b) and (d), the storm surge will most likely affect Tumon, Agana, or Agat. Fortunately, Andersen AFB and the island's largest village, Dededo, lie high above sea level are mostly protected by cliffs.

Image courtesy: Chip Guard, NOAA's National Weather Service Tiyan

Next week's newsletter will focus on what we can do right now to prepare for the coming typhoon season. This article is the third in a series on education, awareness, and tips to help you and your families get TYPHOON READY. Keep in mind that although awareness is great, it's all useless without adding the key ingredient that only you can provide; ACTION!

THREE ACTIONS FOR YOU TO DO TODAY:

1. Get your TYPHOON READY locker prepared. An excellent list of items can be found at:
http://www.southcom.mil/hurricaneprep/hurricane_survival_kit.htm
2. If you live in a low lying coastal area, plan to evacuate to the home of a friend or relative or designate a shelter higher above sea level.
3. Check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered for both wind and storm surge if you live in a coastal area.