HAGÅTÑA — Authorities in Guam opened emergency shelters and urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate as Super Typhoon Bavi approached the Mariana Islands on Monday, with forecasters warning the Category 5 storm could bring destructive winds, life-threatening flooding and dangerous storm surge.
The U.S. National Weather Service in Tiyan said a typhoon warning remained in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan, with typhoon-force winds already beginning in parts of the region as Bavi moved west-northwest toward the islands. The agency described the cyclone as a "very dangerous" super typhoon and warned that damaging conditions would intensify through the day.
The Guam Joint Information Center said the island was under Condition of Readiness 1, the highest state of preparedness before the arrival of destructive winds. Emergency evacuation centers were opened, while officials advised residents to complete preparations, remain indoors once conditions deteriorated and avoid unnecessary travel.
According to Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense, Bavi was located about 160 miles (260 km) east of Guam late Sunday night local time, packing maximum sustained winds of around 165 mph (265 kph). Forecasts indicated the storm would pass through the Marianas near Rota or the Tinian Channel on Monday morning, although officials cautioned that even small changes in the track could significantly alter local impacts.
Forecasters warned Guam and neighboring islands could receive between 12 and 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding through early Tuesday. Coastal flooding, hazardous surf and destructive waves were also expected, with authorities urging people to stay away from shorelines and flood-prone areas.
Emergency officials said utility providers and government agencies had activated response plans, while travelers were encouraged to check the status of flights as weather conditions worsened. Shelters remained available for residents unable to safely remain in their homes.
The approach of Bavi comes only months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread damage across parts of the Northern Mariana Islands, where some communities were still recovering from extensive destruction to homes, infrastructure and power systems. Officials have said the latest storm poses another major test for the region's emergency response capabilities.
As of the latest official advisories, no confirmed fatalities or storm-related injuries had been reported from Bavi. Authorities said warnings would remain in effect while the cyclone crossed the Marianas and urged residents to monitor official forecasts and emergency instructions.
