Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall Monday over the U.S. territorial island of Rota in the western Pacific, bringing winds exceeding 150 mph (241 kph) and torrential rain to the Northern Mariana Islands. The storm was traveling west toward the Philippines.
The National Weather Service warned that the storm posed an “imminent danger to life.” Residents were advised to move to interior rooms and stay away from windows due to the risk of flying debris and downed utility poles. The storm also brought wind gusts of over 100 mph (161 kph) to Saipan, where the international airport is located. Many residents on Saipan and Tinian have been without power since a previous cyclone, Super Typhoon Sinlaku, struck the region.
Bavi reached Category 5 strength, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (241 kph) or stronger. At its peak, winds could reach 180 mph (290 kph) with gusts up to 215 mph (346 kph). The storm was forecast to bring at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain to the affected islands.
Typhoon and flash flood warnings were in effect for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, with tropical storm warnings and watches for other nearby islands. The U.S. territory was still recovering from Sinlaku, which caused significant damage in April.
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged residents to remain indoors or at shelters. "Here we are experiencing another severe force of winds on our island, but as we know, we are always ready and prepared in our planning and our protection of our people," she stated in a social media video. Residents in the region are accustomed to typhoons, with many living in concrete homes that offer better protection against severe weather.