Super Typhoon Bavi is unleashing catastrophic winds and torrential rainfall across the remote U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with meteorologists warning of life-threatening conditions as the powerful storm makes its closest approach to the region.
The National Weather Service issued typhoon warnings for the islands of Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. On Monday morning local time, the eye of the storm was passing directly over the island of Rota, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Guam.
"Widespread destructive winds in excess of 150 mph are occurring," the National Weather Service reported. "This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation."
The super typhoon was moving west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour at 7 a.m. on Monday, according to Guam's Joint Information Center. Those wind speeds classify Bavi as a major Category 5 storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center designates tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour or greater within the western north Pacific as super typhoons.
Local National Weather Service meteorologist Landon Aydlett provided a sobering assessment of the situation while speaking to NPR from central Guam just after 1:30 a.m. on Monday local time. He reported that weather conditions were steadily deteriorating across all four populated islands, with torrential rain and strengthening winds battering the region.
"This is a powerhouse super typhoon and this is going to be a very grim outlook for any island that takes a direct hit and that still looks like it could be the island of Rota," Aydlett told NPR. "It's going to be probably near catastrophic for the entire island."
Aydlett, who had been awake for nearly 24 hours tracking the super typhoon, emphasized the immediate danger facing residents. "People need to hunker down wherever they are because it's just too dangerous to go out at this point," he told NPR. "We aim for zero fatalities and my gosh, I hope that's how it turns out. It's going to be a rough night and a rough day."
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero transitioned the island into a heightened status of emergency readiness on Sunday. During a press briefing, she urged residents to take precautions. "We want you to all be making sure that you are prepared," Guerrero said. "Be safe in your homes and please do not travel the roads, stay out of the waters and be safe."
Local governments have opened emergency shelters, which have been nearing capacity as residents in low-lying areas and those living in wood and tin homes seek refuge. The storm poses particular risks for communities still recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck the region in April.
"We have a lot of vulnerable communities across northern Guam, people that live in more substandard building materials," Aydlett told NPR. "From what I've heard from Saipan and Tinian, where many people still have no power two-and-a-half months after Sinlaku ravaged those islands, the shelters are packed and they had to turn people away."
Power outages were already being reported throughout the island of Guam earlier on Sunday, while some flights were canceled and the Port Authority of Guam suspended operations. Forecasters warned of damaging flash flooding across the islands, with dozens of schools and hospitals potentially affected according to the National Weather Service.
Structural damage, fallen trees and widespread power outages are expected as the storm continues its destructive path. Andersen Air Force Base on Guam is restricting access to only essential personnel.
Officials have been warning residents about the approaching super typhoon for several days, emphasizing the need for preparation and urging people to remain sheltered as the storm passes through the region.
