News briefing · Published
Typhoon Champi and Pacific storms: prep for islands and coasts
How should families on Guam prepare for a typhoon like Champi?
Store water and food for at least two weeks, keep a battery or hand-crank weather radio charged, and set phones to receive emergency alerts. Island and coastal households can lose access to outside supplies after a storm, so plan to manage at home for a while and keep important papers in a waterproof bag.
AP reported on Oct. 18, 2026, as carried by ABC30, that Typhoon Champi had 140 mph winds west of Guam. AP reported on Oct. 13 that Pacific storms had caused deadly flooding in Mexico.
What happened
AP said Typhoon Champi had 140 mph winds west of Guam, and FEMA said it could reach Category 5. President Trump approved an emergency declaration for Guam on Oct. 17. Hurricane Trudy, a Category 2 storm, hit Mexico's Pacific coast, with forecasters expecting 4 to 8 inches of rain. AP also reported that at least six people died in Mexico from Hurricane Simon and the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel.
What it means for your home
Storms that hit islands and coastal areas can disrupt outside supplies for a while. A household there should plan to manage on its own for at least two weeks, with stored water, food and medicine at home.
What to do this week
- Fill and store water containers for everyone in the house.
- Set aside food that needs no cooking or refrigeration.
- Charge a hand-crank or battery weather radio and keep it within reach.
- Turn on emergency alerts on every phone in the family.
- Put insurance papers and identification in a waterproof bag.
For a step-by-step setup, read how to set up a NOAA weather radio.
Sources
This briefing is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.