NOAA

WASHINGTON — Typhoon Mawar, a Category 4 storm, hit the U.S. territory of Guam May 24 bringing torrential rain, strong winds and leaving thousands without power, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In the days before landfall, President Joe Biden declared an emergency and ordered federal assistance to supplement local response efforts. The Army National Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and active-duty units began preparing for recovery operations.

“It’s our duty to protect people and property, whether that be [in the U.S.] or overseas,” said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Beddall, vice director of the National Guard Bureau’s Joint Operations Center. “We offer highly trained and tested personnel capable of responding anywhere they’re needed.”

After the storm hit, utilities were lost, homes were damaged or destroyed and some families had to live in refugee shelters.

The members of the Guam National Guard immediately assisted with response efforts. They helped the island’s more than 150,000 citizens by clearing roads, removing debris, directing traffic and helping to restore power.

The National Guard Bureau, Hawaii National Guard, U.S. Army Pacific and Army Reserve personnel were all brought in to assist in the recovery.

“We are appreciative of the work we’ve already accomplished with our territorial and federal partners, and I’m happy to announce that more relief is on the way,” Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement May 29. “As our community continues making progress towards recovery in the wake of Typhoon Mawar, I’ve been assured that Guam will be provided with every necessary resource for a complete and speedy recovery.”

Back in the U.S., the Army is preparing for the hurricane season, June 1- Nov. 30, and the wildfire season, which typically runs from the summer into fall depending on the region of the country.

U.S. Army North held their annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept Drill at Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston May 24. The training helps synchronize active-duty military support efforts with federal, state, territorial and local partners to ensure seamless support in the event of a hurricane response mission.

The scenario for this year featured three sequential hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions. The theoretical storms ranged in intensity and impacted multiple areas over a short period of time.

This rehearsal allowed U.S. Army North, joint military services, U.S. federal agencies and other participating organizations to game plan potential recovery efforts for the hurricane season.

“You want to build those friendships and relationships prior to the event happening, which is so critical, because then you really can work through getting after the need at hand,” said Maj. Gen. William Prendergast IV, deputy commander of U.S. Army North and Task Force 51 commander.

The task force is a deployable command post embedded within U.S. Army North designed to assist local, state, and federal responders with disasters. It has 30 assigned service members and can add additional Soldiers if needed.

The team can operate in rigorous environments with less than 24 hours notification when a federal agency requests support.

They can drop into a disaster area and operate on their own without taking resources away from the community in crisis, Prendergast said. They respond to various incidents including wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes.

Last year, there were 14 named storms, of which two intensified into major hurricanes reaching wind speeds of 111 mph or greater, Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Fiona.

According to the NOAA, 156 people lost their lives during Hurricane Ian, and it became the third costliest storm in U.S. history, causing $114 billion in damages.

The NOAA predicted near-normal hurricane activity this year, which would match last season.

There were also almost 69,000 wildfires in the U.S. last year as reported by the National Interagency Fire Center. These fires burned more than 7.5 million acres.

One of the many roles of the National Guard is providing aid and helping combat hurricanes and wildfires. At the end of May, 357 members were supporting wildfire response efforts in California and Colorado.

“We live and work in these communities,” Beddall said during a media roundtable May 23. “So, we’re invested in every response in order to make ourselves a little bit better, so that we can meet the needs that need to be met.”

Each year, the National Guard gathers with state leaders to discuss weather projections. Here, they line up potential response options in case help is requested.

More than 8,000 National Guard Soldiers are currently engaged in domestic operation missions supporting local communities throughout the country.

“As we officially begin hurricane season and expect wildfires to ravage this summer, we can only predict that the number of [National Guard] Soldiers called to action nationwide will also grow as the seasons unfold,” Beddall said. “We’re committed to serve our communities for as long as we’re needed.”

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The official start of the 2023 hurricane season on June 1st signals the need for heightened preparedness and vigilance among Moody Airmen and their families to safeguard lives and property.

The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron’s emergency management flight is dedicated to keeping Moody Air Force Base well-informed and educated, empowering Airmen to make informed decisions during this hurricane season.

Our geographical location in southern Georgia places us at potential risk of hurricane impact,

said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Bal, 23rd CES superintendent of readiness and emergency management flight.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends November 30, expect between 12 to 17 named storms. Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes, including 1 to 4 major hurricanes.

“The biggest thing to do now while the season is calm and during blue skies is to prepare,” Added Bal. “Have your emergency supplies already bought, your food kit set with non-perishable food so that in the event that we do get hit with winds and power goes out, you are prepared for the event and you still have food, water, medication and pet supplies.”

Emergency kits can play a vital role during critical situations. By containing essential survival items that are readily available, they can help save precious time, ensuring that Airmen have an adequate number of supplies for their families and pets for a duration of 72 hours, an utmost priority.

In case of a severe hurricane system, it is important for Airmen to not only have the necessary supplies but have a clear evacuation strategy.

“Hurricanes have the potential to inflict massive damage to power lines, trees and your home. It is important to stay informed so that you may make a sound decision on whether evacuating would be in the best interest of Airmen and their families,” Bal said. “If you want to stay informed, the Moody’s Facebook page will always have information on any hurricane that will affect us.”

Moody Airmen can also opt to receive AtHoc emergency mass notification system messages, which will provide them with updated statuses of any hurricane systems that could affect the local area.

Necessary preparations and supplies are already being set in place in the event of a hurricane. The 23rd CES emergency management flight are there to ensure Moody Airmen and their families are safe and that the base can swiftly return to operational status as soon as possible.

“We invest some time every year around the beginning of hurricane season.” Said Lt. Col. Peeter Pleake-Tamm, 23rd CES commander. “What we want to do is minimize any resulting damage and then as quickly as possible get us back to generating sorties to get us back to executing the mission.

Lt. Col. Pleake-Tamm further explained, Sandbagging vulnerable areas around facility entrances prone to flooding is a common precautionary measure we undertake during hurricanes. Additionally, we conduct base assessments, urging facility managers to inspect their premises, notifying CE of any damage incurred, enabling us to prioritize restoration efforts.

To get yourself ready for the season, create a safety plan and visit www.ready.gov for hurricane preparedness tips.

For local preparation information, contact the emergency management flight at 229-257-1772.

While hurricane seasons are unpredictable, U.S. Army North trains to maintain its proficiency and readiness to support our civilian federal agencies and Americans for the upcoming hurricane season. More than 150 military and civilian partners joined U.S. Army North – in person and virtually – for a Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept Drill at the Army Medical Center of Excellence ROC Drill Facility at Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston on May 24.

“Each of us here today has a significant role to play when disaster strikes in our backyards,” said Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr., U.S. Army North commander. “We assemble like this each year, not only to bring together our capabilities and experience during natural disasters, but so that the day of execution isn’t our first time working together.”

The primary purpose of the rehearsal synchronized local, state and federal response efforts in preparation for the 2023 hurricane season which lasts for six months from June 1 to November 30.

The rehearsal worked through three sequential hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal regions. This was the first time the ROC Drill included three hurricanes and participants embraced the challenge of responding to multiple hurricanes simultaneously.

“We all hope disaster never strikes, but it’s our job to train for the worst possible scenarios to ensure we’re ready to answer the call to serve the American people when they need us most,” said Evans during opening comments to the rehearsal participants.

In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, the Department of Defense coordinates with local, state, and federal authorities in any whole-of-government response efforts requested by the lead federal agency and approved by the Secretary of Defense.

“Coming together for this rehearsal helps identify gaps and seams in our plans and coordination,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator, Tony Robinson. “In addition to the whole community effort of local, state, and federal partners, we encourage residents in the risk areas to look at their preparedness plans.”

The mock scenario enabled U.S. Army North, joint military services, U.S. federal agencies and other participants to synchronize communication, staffing and logistical efforts if the U.S. or its territories were hit by a hurricane.

“We begin hurricane season planning a year out because of the unique challenges we face, and the ROC drill is an important opportunity for us to synchronize our local efforts with federal and Department of Defense partners,” said U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, the adjutant general of the Virgin Islands National Guard.

Since 2005, U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Force Land Component Command has supported more than 40 tropical storms and hurricanes including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Dorian.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released updated 2023 hurricane season projections, predicting “near-normal hurricane activity” this year. “The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.” Storm names selected for this year are: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Phillipe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, and Whitney. (updated 3:50 PM 5/25/2023)

For additional information, contact the U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and JFLCC public affairs office at 210-247-8852 or [email protected]; for imagery, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/ARNORTH.

By DeCA Corporate Communications

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – Meteorologists are literally running out of names to tag the number of severe storms that have occurred over the past three years.

Although the hurricane forecast for 2023 is expected to be slightly lower than last year, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) advises its patrons to be ready for the unexpected and use their benefit to save money on their emergency supplies, said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

“It’s too late to wonder what you have on hand for an emergency when the hurricane has shut everything down,” Saucedo said. “However, if you take the time to create a disaster plan before the storm hits then you can use your commissary benefit to help you save at least 25 percent on your supplies.”

From April through Oct. 31, DeCA’s severe weather promotional package includes discounts on the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

The North Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30 and covers the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season is April to July.

The Accuweather forecast for 2023 calls for 11-15 named storms, four to eight of which will be hurricanes, with one to three of the hurricanes potentially being category 3 or higher (winds exceeding 111 mph). The weather service also forecasts a below average season of about 1,055 to 1,200 tornadoes hitting the United States during 2023.

Whether it’s Mother Nature or a manmade crisis, emergency preparedness officials encourage prior planning with a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper

• Writing utensils – pens, pencils (manual pencil sharpeners), markers

• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener

• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications

• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap

• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moist wipes

• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags

• Lighting accessories – flashlights, batteries, candles and matches

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Duct tape, scissors

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Maps of the area

• Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about disaster preparedness, go to the DeCA website (https://commissaries.com/our-agency/disaster-preparedness) for lists of resources.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – The 374th Airlift Wing hosted a team of professionals from the Military Interstate Child Compact Commission (MIC3) on May 10, 2023, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to amplify the educational resources available to service members and their families.

The Compact aims to assist military kids in transitioning from one school district to another due to military moves. During their time at Yokota, they tackled the most common challenges related to eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation.

“Really the purpose of the compact is to keep children on track to graduate and ultimately we want to ease the stressors, so families can focus on the mission, and acclimating to where they live pretty quickly.” said MIC3 Executive Director Cherise Imai.

This resource has been adopted by all 50 States and the DoDEA, impacting kids moving back to the U.S. or locations with DoDEA schools.

“We hear from parents that say things like, ‘why didn’t we know about this sooner’ or ‘this could have helped us three years ago’ so we are trying to do a better job at the commission level to get the information out. We can only do this by working together. Whether it’s with the services or school liaisons, we can’t do it alone,” said MIC3 training and operations associate Lindsey Dablow.

Children of active-duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active-duty orders, commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year are eligible for assistance under the Compact. The Compact also covers students of members who perish on active duty following their death.

Parents can contact the Yokota School Liaison Program Manager to inquire about transition assistance for children in the above categories at 225-6980.

GALVESTON, Texas (May 11, 2023) – Like most coastal Texans already know, June 1 will mark the beginning of hurricane season, which lasts through November 30.

In preparation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District held a Hurricane Preparedness Townhall meeting, May 11. Employees attended in person and via the web.

Alicia Rea, Galveston District’s emergency management and security director, led the meeting.

Living on the Texas Gulf Coast means living with and through hurricanes, Rea said, and it’s better to stay ready rather than get ready with short notice.

Lance Wood, of the National Weather Service, joined the meeting virtually from Houston and gave some history of recent storms and a forecast of the potential storm threats this year.

Late August through mid-September has been the most likely time for a hurricane to make landfall on the Texas coast, Wood said. However, there have been tropical storms in May and hurricanes can come as late as November, he said.

In the last six years, the southeast United States and Gulf Coast have seen six hurricanes make landfall, Wood said; four Category 4 storms with windspeeds of 130 to 156 mph, and two Category 5’s with windspeeds exceeding 156 mph. Wind isn’t the only danger when it comes to hurricanes. Extreme rainfall can extend many miles beyond the high wind speeds, resulting in catastrophic flooding which can make evacuation nearly impossible.

Understanding and preparing for hurricane risks helps USACE employees prepare themselves and their families for emergencies, said Rea, as well as expedite assisting communities outside Galveston.

ENGLink Pro is an important program for Emergency Management (EM), Rea said. Everyone should keep their EngLink Pro account up to date.

The Galveston District now has its own Emergency Management Planning and Response Team, Rea said, and those interested in volunteering during an emergency should keep their emergency profiles up to date and ask EM for more information.

“We are emergency support function number three, critical public facilities,” Rea said. After Hurricane Harvey rained over east Texas for days, many important public buildings were flooded and unsafe. Galveston District set up a temporary mayor’s office and temporary schools for Orangefield and Mauriceville Independent School Districts in Texas.

Accountability is a commander’s top priority in an emergency, Rea said. She also advised USACE employees to check their Alert! Client Account Dashboard and update any changes, using their primary phone number and email address to facilitate accountability and receive their unit’s emergency messaging.

Another tool for accountability is the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, or ADPAAS, said Teri Conley, an emergency management specialist. It should be updated along with Alert! and EngLink. Updating ADPAAS shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, Conley said.

Links & Resources:

• EM Dashboard*

• ADPAAS

• ALERT!*

• ENGLink Database*

• ENGLink Account Request* (use if receiving an error at the link above)

Follow the Houston National Weather Service on social media by searching and following NWS Houston.