Super Typhoon Bavi Hits U.S. Pacific Islands Near Guam
Super Typhoon Bavi made its way to a small U.S. territorial island in the western Pacific, close to Guam. The fierce storm brought with it heavy rains and strong winds, which affected the Northern Mariana Islands.
The storm's eye passed over the island of Rota, bringing with it winds exceeding 150 mph. The typhoon was moving at approximately 9 mph in a westward direction toward the Philippines.
"Hold On," Says Weather Expert
A weather expert urged residents to "hold on" as the peak of the storm was passing. While he acknowledged that the improvement would be gradual, he reassured residents that better conditions were on the way.
The storm also impacted other areas of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, and Guam. This area was still dealing with the aftermath of another damaging cyclone that occurred earlier this year.
High Winds and Power Outages
On the island of Saipan, wind speeds of over 100 mph were recorded at the international airport. Many residents of Saipan and the nearby island of Tinian had been without power since the previous Super Typhoon.
Super Typhoon Bavi was classified as a Category 5 storm, with potential wind speeds reaching 180 mph and gusts up to 215 mph.
Warnings Issued for Surrounding Islands
In addition to Rota, typhoon and flash flood warnings were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings and watches were also in place for other nearby islands. The storm was expected to dump at least 20 inches of rain as it moved through the region.
A cyclone is classified as a super typhoon when it has sustained winds of 150 mph or stronger, which is equivalent to a high-end Category 4 or a Category 5 storm.
Life-Threatening Conditions
Experts cautioned that Bavi posed a "serious threat to life." Residents across the islands were advised to take shelter in interior rooms and avoid windows. Stepping outside could be fatal due to flying debris, and utility poles and power lines were expected to be downed.
Although Bavi moved through the region more quickly than the previous storm, the islands were still expected to experience tropical storm conditions, including heavy rain, at least through the night.
Local Leaders Urge Caution
The Governor of Guam urged residents to stay at home or in a shelter. In a video shared on social media, she expressed confidence in the island's readiness and commitment to protecting its residents.
A local priest in Dededo, Guam, shared his experience of hearing the winds howling outside his house for hours. He expressed hope that the typhoon would not cause extensive damage on the island as most residents live in concrete homes.
"By this time, people are used to typhoons," he said. "They know what they have to do to prepare for them."
Super Typhoon Bavi made its way to a small U.S. territorial island in the western Pacific, close to Guam. The fierce storm brought with it heavy rains and strong winds, which affected the Northern Mariana Islands.
The storm's eye passed over the island of Rota, bringing with it winds exceeding 150 mph. The typhoon was moving at approximately 9 mph in a westward direction toward the Philippines.
"Hold On," Says Weather Expert
A weather expert urged residents to "hold on" as the peak of the storm was passing. While he acknowledged that the improvement would be gradual, he reassured residents that better conditions were on the way.
The storm also impacted other areas of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, and Guam. This area was still dealing with the aftermath of another damaging cyclone that occurred earlier this year.
High Winds and Power Outages
On the island of Saipan, wind speeds of over 100 mph were recorded at the international airport. Many residents of Saipan and the nearby island of Tinian had been without power since the previous Super Typhoon.
Super Typhoon Bavi was classified as a Category 5 storm, with potential wind speeds reaching 180 mph and gusts up to 215 mph.
Warnings Issued for Surrounding Islands
In addition to Rota, typhoon and flash flood warnings were issued for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Tropical storm warnings and watches were also in place for other nearby islands. The storm was expected to dump at least 20 inches of rain as it moved through the region.
A cyclone is classified as a super typhoon when it has sustained winds of 150 mph or stronger, which is equivalent to a high-end Category 4 or a Category 5 storm.
Life-Threatening Conditions
Experts cautioned that Bavi posed a "serious threat to life." Residents across the islands were advised to take shelter in interior rooms and avoid windows. Stepping outside could be fatal due to flying debris, and utility poles and power lines were expected to be downed.
Although Bavi moved through the region more quickly than the previous storm, the islands were still expected to experience tropical storm conditions, including heavy rain, at least through the night.
Local Leaders Urge Caution
The Governor of Guam urged residents to stay at home or in a shelter. In a video shared on social media, she expressed confidence in the island's readiness and commitment to protecting its residents.
A local priest in Dededo, Guam, shared his experience of hearing the winds howling outside his house for hours. He expressed hope that the typhoon would not cause extensive damage on the island as most residents live in concrete homes.
"By this time, people are used to typhoons," he said. "They know what they have to do to prepare for them."