A POWERFUL super typhoon hit the western Pacific on Monday, bringing life-threatening winds and torrential rain to Guam and other US territories.
Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall over the island of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands, with the National Weather Service reporting sustained winds exceeding 150 mph (241 kph) as the storm’s eye passed over the island Monday morning local time.
The system, moving westward toward the Philippines at approximately nine mph (14 kph), packed enough force to be classified as a Category 5 equivalent.
Meteorologists warned of extreme danger across the region.
“Going outside can result in death from flying projectiles. Utility poles and associated power lines will be down,” cautioned weather service meteorologist Edwin Montvila, who said the storm posed an imminent danger to life.
Residents across Guam, Tinian, and Saipan were under typhoon and flash flood warnings, with forecasters predicting at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain. On Saipan, the international airport recorded wind gusts exceeding 100 mph (161 kph).
The storm arrived as communities were still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck in April and left many on Saipan and Tinian without power.
Although Bavi moved through faster than its predecessor, officials cautioned that tropical storm conditions could persist through Monday night.
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged residents to remain sheltered, stating in a social media post.
“We are always ready and prepared in our planning and our protection of our people.”
Source: abcnews.com
