HAGÅTÑA — Super Typhoon Bavi lashed the Mariana Islands on Monday with life-threatening winds and torrential rain as the powerful Category 5 storm moved across the U.S. Pacific territory, prompting authorities to order residents to remain indoors and emergency officials to warn of catastrophic conditions.
The U.S. National Weather Service said typhoon-force winds were already affecting Rota, where an Extreme Wind Warning was issued, while a Typhoon Warning remained in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The agency said damaging winds were ongoing and warned that venturing outdoors could be life-threatening.
National Weather Service meteorologists said Bavi was packing sustained winds of up to 180 mph (290 kph) with gusts reaching 215 mph (346 kph) as it approached or crossed Rota. Authorities also warned of torrential rainfall, dangerous surf, coastal flooding and widespread power outages.
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged residents to remain at home or in designated shelters and avoid travel as conditions deteriorated. Emergency management officials said preparations had been completed ahead of the storm's arrival and advised people to follow official warnings.
There were no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries immediately available. Officials said assessments of damage would begin once conditions allowed, and warned that communications and access to affected areas could be disrupted.
The Mariana Islands are still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku earlier this year, which caused extensive damage across the region. As of Monday, Bavi continued moving west-northwest across the Marianas, and authorities said the situation remained fluid as emergency agencies monitored the storm and awaited further updates from forecasters.
