Super Typhoon Bavi slams US Pacific territories with 290 km/h winds, 'major damage' on Rota
Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands early Monday, bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rain and flash flooding to the US territories in the western Pacific.
Storm makes landfall on Rota
Super Typhoon Bavi, a Category 5 equivalent storm, crossed the Mariana Islands on Monday morning local time. The eyewall passed directly over Rota, the southernmost island of the Northern Marianas, shortly after dawn. The US National Weather Service (NWS) reported sustained winds of 290 km/h at landfall, with gusts reaching 350 km/h according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Hawaii. Lou Rosario, spokesperson for the Rota operations centre, said the island was experiencing "strong winds and flooding" and that "some people have reported major damage."
- Island-wide power outage on Saipan; Guam opens evacuation shelters and activates highest alert level.
- Eyewall of Bavi makes landfall on Rota with sustained winds of 290 km/h.
- Guam, Tinian and Saipan experience severe tropical storm to typhoon conditions; downed power lines reported on Guam.
- All flights cancelled at main airports; port operations suspended; no deaths or injuries reported.
- Flash flooding risk continues with 12–20 inches of rain forecast near the storm's centre.
Widespread impacts across the Marianas
Guam, Tinian and Saipan were also lashed by severe tropical storm to typhoon conditions. An island-wide power outage hit Saipan on Sunday night, and the Guam Power Authority reported downed lines and outages on Monday. All flights were cancelled at main airports on Guam and the Northern Marianas, and operations were suspended at several ports. The NWS warned of waves up to 10.7 metres and "extremely dangerous" sea conditions.
Stay in your homes, do not drive on the roads and keep away from the water.
Authorities warn of catastrophic conditions
Guam activated the highest level of its four-tier alert system and opened evacuation shelters. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged residents to avoid travel. Meteorologist Landon Aydlett of the NWS told NPR that for any island taking a direct hit, "the situation looks very grim" and that for Rota it would be "likely near-catastrophic." Rota mayor Aubry Hocog called for precautions, saying, "By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, our neighbours and our community."
Recovery from previous storms
The region is still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused widespread devastation in April, ripping off roofs and leaving tens of thousands without power. In 2023, Typhoon Mawar also inflicted heavy damage on Guam. Many residents live in simple wood and corrugated-iron homes, heightening vulnerability. The NWS said a direct hit on Rota could leave much of the island "uninhabitable for weeks, perhaps longer."
Forecast and next steps
Bavi was moving west-northwest at about 15 km/h. The NWS forecast 12 to 20 inches (30 to 51 cm) of rain near the storm's centre, with flash flooding possible through Tuesday night. No deaths or injuries had been reported as of early Monday afternoon. US military facilities on Guam, including Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam, restricted access.
