Super Typhoon Bavi approaches Guam and Northern Mariana Islands with possible catastrophic impact

Residents were urged to prepare for structural damage, fallen trees, and widespread power outages. Flash flood warnings were in effect across Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, including Dededo, Guam's most populous village. According to the National Weather Service, dozens of schools and hospitals could be affected by the storm. "Significant flooding from torrential rains, and coastal inundation are expected," the NWS said, with projected waves of up to 35 feet, the height of a 10-storey building, creating "extremely dangerous" conditions at sea.

Storm Strengthens As It Approaches

On Rota, located northeast of Guam, the outlook appeared especially dire. "This is a powerhouse super typhoon and this is going to be a very grim outlook for any island that takes a direct hit and that still looks like it could be the island of Rota," local NWS meteorologist Landon Aydlett told NPR from central Guam just after 1:30 a.m. on Monday local time. "It's going to be probably near catastrophic for the entire island." Aydlett had been awake for nearly 24 hours tracking the storm at the time of his interview and said weather conditions were steadily deteriorating across all four populated islands, including torrential rain and strengthening winds.

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero transitioned the island into a heightened status of emergency readiness on Sunday and appealed directly to residents during a press briefing. "We want you to all be making sure that you are prepared," she said. "Be safe in your homes and please do not travel the roads, stay out of the waters and be safe." Some flights had been canceled and the Port Authority of Guam suspended operations in preparation for the storm. Andersen Air Force Base on Guam was restricting access to only essential personnel.

Shelters Strain As Region Recovers From Earlier Storm

Local governments opened emergency shelters that were nearing capacity, particularly for residents in low-lying areas and those living in wood and tin homes. Aydlett noted that many people in Saipan and Tinian still had no power two-and-a-half months after Typhoon Sinlaku ravaged those islands, with shelters packed and turning people away. "From what I've heard from Saipan and Tinian, where many people still have no power two-and-a-half months after Sinlaku ravaged those islands, the shelters are packed and they had to turn people away," he said. Power outages were already being reported throughout the island of Guam.

The NWS called the typhoon "very dangerous," warning of "tropical storm force" winds from Sunday afternoon or evening and "catastrophic" damage near the system's centre later. Roughly 210,000 people live across the two U.S. territories. As residents scrambled to finish preparations, Pinky Cubacub, 55, told reporters she had lined up early on Saturday to buy US$500 worth of plywood at a timber store and was boarding up the windows of her eatery. "It's going to be a rough night and a rough day," Aydlett said.

Warnings and Preparations

Aydlett said officials had been warning residents about the storm for several days and urged people to stay in place. "People need to hunker down wherever they are because it's just too dangerous to go out at this point," he said. Isla Public Media News Director Dana Williams contributed to the reporting. The Joint Information Center and emergency management agencies urged residents to monitor official updates as conditions changed overnight.

The National Weather Service issued typhoon warnings for the islands of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. Emergency management officials said they aimed for zero fatalities as the storm approached, an outcome Aydlett said he hoped for despite the destructive forecast. "We aim for zero fatalities and my gosh, I hope that's how it turns out," he said.