Super Typhoon Bavi Strikes Northern Mariana Islands

Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Monday, hitting a small U.S. territorial island in the western Pacific near Guam. The storm brought intense winds and heavy rain to the Northern Mariana Islands with its eye passing over Rota on Monday morning. Winds exceeded 150 mph, according to the National Weather Service, as Bavi moved at approximately 9 mph westward toward the Philippines.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brandon Aydlett emphasized, “Hang tight.” He noted that although a slow improvement is expected, conditions have yet to fully stabilize.

“It’s going to be a slow improvement, but improvement is coming.”

The storm affected other parts of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Guam, still recovering from a previous cyclone in April. Saipan recorded wind gusts over 100 mph at its international airport. Many residents in Saipan and Tinian have faced power outages since Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck earlier.

Bavi was categorized as a Category 5 super typhoon, with potential winds reaching 180 mph per hour and gusts reaching 215 mph, according to meteorologist Edwin Montvila.

Warnings for typhoon and flash floods were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings and watches extended to other islands in the region. The storm could bring at least 20 inches of rain before leaving the area.

A cyclone qualifies as a super typhoon with sustained winds of 150 mph or higher. This level of power equates to a high-end Category 4 or Category 5 storm.

Weather service warnings labeled Bavi as posing an “imminent danger to life.” Residents were advised to seek shelter in interior rooms and avoid windows.

“Entering outside can result in death from flying projectiles. Utility poles and associated power lines will be down,” said Montvila.

Though Bavi moved quicker than Sinlaku, its size could still subject the islands to tropical storm conditions and torrential rains through Monday night. Guam’s Governor, Lou Leon Guerrero, urged residents to stay indoors or in shelters.

“Here we are experiencing another severe force of winds on our island,” she said. “But as we know, we are always ready and prepared in our planning and our protection of our people.”

Rev. Francis Hezel of Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, Guam, described hearing howling winds for hours since early morning. He expressed hope for minimal damage due to the sturdy concrete homes most residents live in.

“By this time, people are used to typhoons,” he said. “They know what they have to do to prepare for them.”