Super Typhoon Bavi Hits Northern Mariana Islands

Super Typhoon Bavi Lands on U.S. Territorial Island

Super Typhoon Bavi struck the northern Pacific Monday, impacting Rota, a U.S. territorial island near Guam. The storm brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Rota and Surrounding Areas Experience Severe Conditions

The eye of the typhoon crossed Rota, delivering sustained winds over 150 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Bavi was moving west towards the Philippines at a speed of 9 mph.

Hang tight, meteorologist Brandon Aydlett assured, noting that conditions would gradually improve.

Other nearby islands, including Saipan, reported wind gusts exceeding 100 mph. Saipan’s airport recorded these gusts while residents were still without power due to April’s cyclone, Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Bavi: A Category 5 Threat

Bavi, a Category 5 storm, contained winds reaching 180 mph and gusts up to 215 mph, as stated by meteorologist Edwin Montvila.

Warnings of typhoon and flash floods were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings were in place for other regional islands. The forecast indicated Bavi could bring at least 20 inches of rain.

Danger and Precautions

Montvila warned of imminent threat to life, advising residents to seek protection in interior rooms away from windows.

Entering outside can result in death from flying projectiles, he cautioned. Infrastructure damage, including utility poles and power lines, was expected.

Impact on Guam

Despite Bavi’s swift advance, conditions remained severe, prompting Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to advise residents to stay sheltered.

Father Francis Hezel of Santa Barbara Catholic Church described the relentless wind, hoping for minimal damage due to concrete home structures.

He expressed confidence in residents’ preparedness, stating, By this time, people are used to typhoons.