Super Typhoon Bavi Strikes Northern Mariana Islands

Super Typhoon Bavi hit a small U.S. territorial island near Guam in the western Pacific on Monday, unleashing severe winds and heavy rain on the Northern Mariana Islands. According to the National Weather Service, the eye of the storm passed over Rota, delivering winds exceeding 150 mph (241 kph). It moved west at 9 mph (14 kph) towards the Philippines.

Meteorologist Brandon Aydlett from the National Weather Service advised residents to remain patient as conditions gradually improve. The storm affected other Northern Mariana Islands, including Guam, still recovering from a previous destructive cyclone that occurred in April.

On Saipan, the international airport reported wind gusts over 100 mph (161 kph). Many residents of Saipan and nearby Tinian were without power since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, as noted by the weather agency. Bavi, classified as a Category 5 super typhoon, had the potential to achieve wind speeds of 180 mph (290 kph) and gusts up to 215 mph (346 kph), as reported by meteorologist Edwin Montvila.

Besides Rota, typhoon and flash flood warnings were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Other islands in the vicinity received tropical storm warnings and watches. The storm was expected to drop at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain as it moved through the area.

A cyclone is deemed a super typhoon when it boasts maximum sustained winds of at least 150 mph (241 kph), comparable to a high-end Category 4 or Category 5 storm.

Montvila warned of the “imminent danger to life,” urging island residents to use interior rooms and avoid windows, due to flying debris hazards. He cautioned against going outside due to downed utility poles and power lines.

Bavi’s passage was swifter than Sinlaku’s, the weather service reported, but the storm’s scale meant tropical storm conditions persisted through at least Monday night.

Guam’s Governor, Lou Leon Guerrero, appealed for people to remain indoors or in shelters. In a social media video, she emphasized readiness and protective measures for the residents.

In Guam, Rev. Francis Hezel, a priest at Santa Barbara Catholic Church, described hearing intense winds since dawn. While hopeful for minimal damage due to concrete housing, he observed that residents are accustomed to typhoons and know necessary preparations.