Residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas prepared for the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi by moving to emergency shelters and completing final preparations on Sunday. The storm was expected to pass over the US Pacific territories around 10 a.m. Monday with winds reaching 260 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 315 kph, matching Category 5 hurricane strength. The National Weather Service described the typhoon as very dangerous, forecasting tropical storm-force winds from Sunday afternoon, catastrophic damage near the center, significant flooding, and waves up to 35 feet. Roads in Guam were largely empty as rain and wind intensified. Local residents reported boarding up homes and businesses, with some expressing concern over lost income. Tourists faced canceled flights, while a few surfers took advantage of the conditions at one beach. The Northern Marianas, home to about 40,000 people, and Guam, with roughly 170,000 residents, braced for impact. Officials noted improved preparedness following recent storms, including better supply management. Warmer ocean temperatures linked to El Niño were cited as a factor in storm intensity.
