October 18, 2026 — Super Typhoon Champi passed about 10 miles off Guam early Sunday, October 18. A last-minute shift to the west kept the strongest winds offshore and over far southern Guam, but the island remains under Condition of Readiness 1 (COR 1), and a presidential emergency declaration has been approved.
What’s new since our last update
- Closest approach: 4:26 a.m. local time on October 18, about 10 miles south of Merizo, according to the National Weather Service briefing reported by Marianas Press. Forecasts called for sustained winds near 40 mph on Guam with gusts of 70 to 80 mph, plus heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- Still COR 1: As of 10 a.m. local time, Guam Homeland Security said the island remains in COR 1 and told people to stay inside a sturdy concrete building until COR 4 is announced. Typhoon and tropical storm warnings remained in effect, with flash flooding, hazardous surf and coastal flooding still concerns.
- Federal help: The President approved Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s request for an emergency declaration, which lets FEMA coordinate assistance.
- Power: The Guam Power Authority reported about 50% of the island with power at 7:50 a.m. Feeders serving Tumon’s Hotel Row, Guam Memorial Hospital and Naval Base Guam stayed online.
- Flights: eTurboNews reports cancellations by United, Japan Airlines and Korean Air, including routes to Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka and Honolulu. Some later flights were still listed as operating. A date for normal tourism operations is TBA.
- Next: Champi is moving west toward the Philippines and Taiwan (see our Philippines story).
What it means for airline travelers
- Don’t head to Guam until COR 4 is declared and airlines confirm they are operating. Standby travelers trying to get out will be competing with stranded passengers from cancelled flights for days, so seats will be scarce.
- If you are on the island, stay indoors and out of the sea until officials give the all-clear, and confirm your flight directly with the airline before leaving your hotel.
- Check your hotel’s services. Hotel Row kept power, but each hotel still needs to confirm water and air conditioning.
- Help line: The Guam Visitors Bureau runs a 24-hour multilingual line at +1 671 588-3030.
- Register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad if you are travelling in the region while Champi is active.
Sources
- Guam Homeland Security / Office of Civil Defense (official) — JIC Release No. 13 – President Approves Emergency Declaration for Guam; Island Remains in COR1; GPA Update
- Marianas Press — Champi passes just 10 miles off the shore of Guam
- eTurboNews — Guam Typhoon Champi: Hotel Safety, Flights and Visitor Update
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