A super typhoon could hit Guam, US Northern Mariana Islands

Key Points:

• Typhoon Bavi is rapidly intensifying in the western Pacific and is forecast to hit the U.S. Mariana Islands, including Guam, as a super typhoon by Monday, bringing risks of damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding rain.
• Currently centered about 700 miles east of Guam, Bavi is moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph and is expected to pass through Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.
• Bavi is forecast to strengthen into at least a Category 4 typhoon this weekend, potentially reaching Category 5 status with winds of 160 mph, making it a large and powerful storm upon arrival.
• Key uncertainties remain regarding the exact path of Bavi’s eyewall, its speed, and size, which will influence the severity and duration of impacts, but heavy rain and flash flooding are expected before, during, and after the storm’s passage.
• Residents in the Mariana Islands are urged to complete preparations by Saturday afternoon as conditions may worsen by Sunday; Bavi could later threaten Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, or eastern China next week.