Super Typhoon Bavi Hits the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam

Super Typhoon Bavi struck a small U.S. territorial island near Guam in the western Pacific on Monday. This has brought strong winds and relentless rain to the Northern Mariana Islands.

The storm’s eye passed over Rota island, reaching wind speeds above 150 mph according to the National Weather Service. It moved west toward the Philippines at about 9 mph.

“Hang tight,” advised meteorologist Brandon Aydlett from the National Weather Service. “We’re just coming out of the peak conditions. It’s a slow improvement, but a better state will come.”

The typhoon also affected other Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. Recovery efforts were ongoing from a previous cyclone in April.

On Saipan, wind gusts exceeded 100 mph at the international airport. Many residents of Saipan and nearby Tinian remained without power since Super Typhoon Sinlaku occurred.

Bavi, classified as a Category 5 super typhoon, had the potential for winds reaching 180 mph and gusts peaking at 215 mph, stated meteorologist Edwin Montvila.

Warnings included typhoon and flash flood alerts for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings and watches extended to other regional islands. The storm might bring 20 inches of rain before leaving the area.

A cyclone is labeled a super typhoon when it has maximum sustained winds of 150 mph or higher, equivalent to a high Category 4 or a Category 5 hurricane.

Bavi posed a significant threat to life, emphasized Montvila. Residents were urged to stay in interior rooms and steer clear of windows.

“Going outside can lead to fatal injuries from flying debris. Utility poles and power lines will be down,” warned Montvila.

The storm moved quicker than Sinlaku, according to the weather service. Despite this, the islands could experience tropical storm conditions, including heavy rain, through Monday night.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam encouraged residents to stay home or find shelter.

“We are facing another fierce wind force, but we are ready. Our plans and protections for our people are in place,” she commented in a video on social media.

The Rev. Francis Hezel from Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, Guam, reported hearing strong winds outside since early morning. He expressed hope for minimal damage, citing the construction of concrete homes.

“People are accustomed to typhoons by now,” he noted. “They know how to brace for them.”