Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Are Threatened by Super Typhoon Bavi

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are facing the threat of a super typhoon for the second time this year.

According to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Super Typhoon Bavi, with maximum sustained winds of 167 miles per hour, or 269 km/h, was approaching the islands of Tinian and Rota on Sunday and also threatened Guam. The storm reached Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale and was expected to strengthen before reaching the islands in the coming hours.

“Nearly all forecast models take the storm’s center between Tinian and Rota,” the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said. “Given recent trends and favorable conditions, a stronger peak than the current forecast is entirely possible.”

Residents of Tinian and Rota were advised to shelter in sturdy buildings and remain there until Bavi passes, according to a Facebook statement by Governor David Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis James Mendiola. On Friday, President Donald Trump approved an emergency disaster declaration for the Northern Mariana Islands.

After passing the Northern Mariana Islands, Bavi is forecast to continue moving west. By next weekend, it could threaten Taiwan with winds of at least 127 miles per hour, equivalent to Category 3 on the US scale.

In April, Super Typhoon Sinlaku passed through Saipan and other islands in the archipelago, leaving residents without electricity and forcing them to boil drinking water.