Emergency evacuations began Sunday in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as Super Typhoon Bavi rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported sustained winds of 173 mph, with gusts reaching 207 mph.
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The National Weather Service warned of catastrophic wind damage, torrential rains, and storm surges with waves up to 35 feet high.
The storm is expected to approach early Monday morning, with destructive conditions lasting eight to 10 hours near the center.
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Evacuations and Preparations
Local authorities opened five evacuation centers in Guam schools to accommodate vulnerable residents.
This is the third Category 5 tropical cyclone of 2026, following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April and Tropical Cyclone Horacio in February.
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Atmospheric scientists attribute the rapid intensification to historically high ocean heat and a strong El Niño event in the tropical Pacific.
