SANTA RITA, Guam -- Coast Guard personnel are underway assessing the waterways and port conditions after Typhoon Mangkhut impacted Guam and the Mariana Islands late Monday night.

Personnel from Sector Guam, Station Apra Harbor, and the Pacific Strike Force from Alameda, California are actively making rounds on the islands of Guam, Saipan, Rota, and Tinian to assess the various port conditions.

"Reopening the Port of Guam is our top priority,” said Capt. Christopher Chase, commander, Coast Guard Sector Guam. “We are currently conducting an on-water assessment with a crew aboard our 29-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Apra Harbor, and have multiple teams that are making shore-side and facility assessments. Once these assessments are complete and safe navigation is available to all traffic, we will reopen the ports."

The Coast Guard reminds everyone that the waters surrounding the Mariana Islands remain very dangerous despite the passing of the storm. We encourage everyone to stay out of the water until conditions return to normal.