Super Typhoon Bavi Hits Northern Mariana Islands with Fierce Winds and Rain

Super Typhoon Bavi struck a small U.S. territorial island in the western Pacific, close to Guam, on Monday. The island of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands experienced the eye of the storm, which brought wind speeds exceeding 150 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The typhoon moved westward toward the Philippines at roughly 9 mph.

Impact on the Northern Mariana Islands

The storm affected several parts of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Guam. These areas were still healing from a prior cyclone in April. In Saipan, wind gusts surpassed 100 mph, leaving many without power since Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Weather Conditions and Warnings

Bavi was categorized as a Category 5 super typhoon with potential wind speeds of up to 180 mph and gusts reaching 215 mph, as stated by meteorologist Edwin Montvila. Typhoon and flash flood warnings were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings covered other regional islands. Forecasts predicted over 20 inches of rain as the storm progressed.

Advice and Preparation

Montvila warned of imminent life threats, advising residents to stay in interior rooms and away from windows. Flying debris posed a lethal risk, and power outages were expected. Though Bavi moved faster than the previous typhoon Sinlaku, tropical storm conditions such as heavy rain could persist through Monday night.

Community Response

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero encouraged people to remain indoors or in shelters, emphasizing preparedness. She communicated via social media, acknowledging the community’s readiness to face severe storms.

The Rev. Francis Hezel from Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, Guam, described the relentless winds and hoped for minimal damage, noting residents’ typhoon resilience due to concrete housing.