...TYPHOON CHAMPI MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST TOWARDS GUAM... .NEW INFORMATION... Champi upgraded to a typhoon. .AREAS AFFECTED... This local statement provides information and recommended actions for people on Guam, and on Rota, Tinian and Saipan in the Northern Marianas. .WATCHES/WARNINGS... A Typhoon Warning continues for Guam and Rota. A Tropical Storm Warning in conjuction with a Typhoon Watch continue for Tinian and Saipan. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Please listen closely for any Flash Flood Warnings that might be in effect for your area. Please check the latest public and marine forecasts for detailed information about additional hazards. .STORM INFORMATION... At 700 AM ChST, the center of Typhoon Champi (29W) was located near latitude 12.0N and longitude 149.6E. This was about 340 miles east- southeast of Guam. Storm motion was west-northwest, 295 degrees, at 15 mph. Storm intensity was 85 mph. The system is expected to further intensify today, with rapid intensification likely as Champi approaches the Marianas. This general forecast track will take Champi just south of Guam as a category 3 typhoon. .SITUATION OVERVIEW... Showers and winds will steadily increase this afternoon, and then deteriorate significantly from tonight as newly upgraded Typhoon Champi continues to move in from the east-southeast. Champi is expected to go through a period of rapid intensification shortly, strengthening further as the day goes on. Winds and rain will come in rapidly, with winds becoming dangerous and life threatening very soon after onset. Do not let a false sense of normalcy now dictate your actions tomorrow; prepare NOW! Make the final preparations to protect life and property. Rush to completion the hardening of your home or business by closing shutters and bracing garage doors. If evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Guard against being stuck out on roadways when dangerous winds and heavy rains arrive. Again, do not stay in a metal roof or container home. Remember, pets are not allowed in most official shelters, so check ahead with your intended shelter. If staying in a home, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill the bathtub with water in case the tap water becomes unavailable after the storm. This is for cleaning and flushing purposes. Do not drink it.