Emergency evacuations are underway across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the US Pacific territories, with forecasters warning of destructive winds, heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) said Bavi is expected to make landfall early Monday, bringing sustained winds of up to 257 kilometers per hour (160 mph). Officials warned the storm could cause catastrophic damage, significant flooding from torrential rain and waves reaching nearly 11 meters (35 feet).
Authorities said residents in vulnerable areas should complete evacuations immediately if instructed by local officials.
“The window is rapidly closing to evacuate if directed to do so by local officials, or if your home is vulnerable to high winds or flooding,” the NWS said. The agency also warned that conditions outside during the storm could be deadly.
Bavi is forecast to pass directly over Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by Monday afternoon, although dangerous weather is expected to begin eight to 10 hours before the storm’s center arrives and continue afterward.
Guam, home to about 170,000 people, has opened five evacuation centers at local schools with capacity for approximately 1,700 people, primarily those considered most vulnerable. The island’s civil defense agency said one shelter had already reached capacity by Sunday afternoon, forcing officials to redirect evacuees to other locations.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), operated by the US Navy, has classified Bavi as a super typhoon. The agency expects sustained winds to increase to 150 knots (173 mph) before landfall, with gusts reaching as high as 180 knots (207 mph).
Meteorologists say a super typhoon has destructive potential comparable to a Category 4 or Category 5 Atlantic hurricane.
Residents and visitors have been preparing for the storm by securing homes and businesses. Restaurant owner Pinky Cubacub said she spent about $500 on plywood to protect her establishment.
“I cannot afford to lose so many days. It hurts,” she said, explaining that her newly opened business is still covering basic operating expenses.
Tourists have also been affected by the approaching storm. Japanese visitor Miku Sakurai said her flight back to Tokyo was canceled, leaving her to ride out the typhoon at her hotel.
Climate experts have noted that stronger tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent as warmer ocean temperatures provide additional energy for storm development. A strong El Niño pattern is also expected to contribute to more intense storms across the Pacific this season.
Bavi will become the 11th Category 4 or Category 5 tropical cyclone to strike US territory in the past decade. Earlier this year, Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, leaving 17 people dead and causing an estimated $1.5 billion in damage.
Emergency officials continue to urge residents to remain indoors, follow evacuation orders and monitor official weather updates as Bavi approaches.
