Tropical Storm Maria began lashing the island early Thursday morning, toppling trees, scattering debris on roadways and knocking out power in many areas. Flights to and from Guam were delayed or cancelled. The storm was forecast to make its closest point of approach to the island's southern coast between 6 and 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. As of 1:50 a.m., the system was located about 55 miles southeast of Guam, and it was headed north-northwest at 8 mph. Winds were 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds of between 40 and 45 mph with gusts to 50 mph were expected to sweep across the island Thursday morning, along with heavy rain and hazardous surf. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch because of the potential for the slow-moving system to drench Guam. Civil Defense officials warned that conditions would be worse after the storm passed. By 2 a.m., power had been knocked out in many parts of the island. Because of hazardous conditions, Guam Power Authority field crews were ordered to seek shelter. The agency said power restoration would resume as soon as possible. Crews spent the day Wednesday trimming trees and clearing vegetation, while boaters secured their vessels and homeowners were asked to pick up or secure loose items on their property. A thunderstorm advisory is in effect for Guam International Airport Airlines until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and a wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Flights to and from the island were canceled or delayed, and travelers were advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. On Wednesday, Talofofo resident and business owner Angie Quiambao said she has turned on the generator for her family’s mom-and-pop store. “I see people putting up their shutters around, but I also have customers buying candles,” Quiambao said. But with steady rain throughout Wednesday, some residents took the warnings in stride. Story continues below photo Quiambao’s 23-year-old daughter, Marissa Quiambao, said she is not worried about the weather. “I haven’t really prepared. I’m just at home,” Marissa Quiambao said. Woodward Castro of Dededo has been following the weather updates, but said he is not concerned. “We’re still going to have a get together at a family member’s place,” Castro said. But the barbecue was canceled for Curtis Gogue of Santa Rita. “I’m staying indoors," he said.<doc-sep>Despite hazardous ocean conditions and beach pollution reports, surfers around the island were taking advantage of the bigger waves Friday. The National Weather Service said there is a high surf advisory in effect for west facing reefs through Sunday night, but hazardous surf should decrease to 7- to 9-feet by Sunday night. Life-threatening rip currents along west facing reefs are expected through through Saturday. Guam Environmental Protection agency said all 43 beaches on Guam are polluted because of heavy rainfall Typhoon Maria brought. “Storm water runoff may contain additional bacteria and cause many beaches to have high concentrations of unsafe bacteria,” according to a news release issued by the agency. But the pre- and post-storm waves can be 3- to 4- feet higher than normal, longtime surfer Mike Villagomez said, which makes them appealing to surfers. Villagomez, who surfed at Hagåtña Boat Basin Friday, said surfers judge the water by the tide, direction of the wind and published forecasts. “It all depends on what the swell is doing,” said Villagomez, Villagomez said he’s surfed 6- to 7-foot waves generated by the storm. “Our season is mostly during the end of the year like winter season,” Villagomez said. He and surfer Derek Quenga said Guam surf seems smaller than it was a decade ago. “The waves aren’t as consistent. That comes from different effects from pollution and ruining the reef,” Quenga said. More:GPA investigating cause of generators going offline, causing blackout More:Typhoon Maria not direct threat, but bringing rough waters Guam EPA usually collects and analyzes water samples from beaches on a weekly basis to monitor bacteria. Data collected is shared with other agencies such as Guam Waterworks Authority and Guam Department of Public Works to prevent long-term beach contamination. But this week, the agency's staff did not gather samples because of excessive rain and high surf, the agency noted. Guam EPA biologist Renee Schnabel said darker water can be seen in the ocean because of sediment being flushed. Schnabel said Guam EPA has released previous press releases after storms and typhoons where data had not been collected, but beaches were classified as polluted as a preemptive advisory. Tips<doc-sep>
Although Typhoon Maria continues to move away from the area, several advisories are still in effect, according to the National Weather Service. Through 8 a.m., scattered showers and thunderstorms will bring 1 to 2 inches of rain and occasional cloud to ground lightning to Guam and the adjacent coastal waters. More:Tropical Storm Maria damage village by village reports More:What you need to know in wake of Tropical Storm Maria While driving, be alert for low visibilities in very heavy rain and watch for local flooding of roads. If boating, seek shelter below deck if you see lightning or hear thunder, the advisory states. A small craft advisory is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan coastal waters until 6 a.m. Sunday. In the wake of Typhoon Maria, winds up to 29 mph and seas of 10 feet or more will persist through Saturday night. These hazardous conditions are mainly expected in the waters west of the islands. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions. A high surf advisory for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan west facing reefs, is in effect through Sunday night. Hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet and life-threatening rip currents along west facing reefs are expected through Saturday. Avoid venturing near reef lines and beaches, especially those facing west. Large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not swim directly against a rip current. The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense remind residents and visitors to practice extreme caution while traveling on the roadways, allowing enough braking distance between cars to avoid collisions. Seek shelter if lightning is seen or thunder is heard.