Guam and Nearby Islands Brace for Super Typhoon Bavi

Residents of Guam and surrounding U.S. island territories in the western Pacific were advised to seek shelter as Super Typhoon Bavi was expected to hit early Monday. This region is still recovering from another severe storm earlier this year. The massive cyclone, moving towards the Mariana Islands east of the Philippines, was predicted to strike Rota early Monday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Edwin Montvila.

“Rota, a territory with fewer than 2,000 people northeast of Guam, is already experiencing catastrophic wind,” Montvila stated. An extreme wind warning is in effect, as Bavi is expected to be a category five super typhoon with winds possibly reaching 180 miles per hour and gusts of 215 miles per hour.

This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Typhoon Bavi nearing the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Besides Rota, typhoon warnings were also in place for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Other islands in the area had tropical storm warnings and watches. This storm follows Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the year’s strongest tropical cyclone, which hit the region in April with strong winds and heavy rain. A super typhoon is characterized by maximum sustained winds of at least 150 mph.

Bavi presents an imminent threat to life, Montvila warned, with advisories urging residents to stay indoors, away from windows. Entering outside could lead to fatal incidents due to flying debris and downed utility lines. “We recommend people to remain inside and stay safe,” Montvila said.

Bavi moved swiftly Monday morning, which could lead to a faster passage, Montvila noted. However, given the storm’s size, tropical storm conditions like heavy rain might continue through Monday night. The cyclone’s path showed some unpredictability overnight, as it fluctuated north and south while moving west toward the islands.

Guam’s Governor, Lou Leon Guerrero, encouraged residents to remain indoors or at a shelter and avoid traveling. “We are confronted with another severe weather event, but we are prepared with our plans and determined to protect our people,” she assured in a social media video.