'Very dangerous' Super Typhoon Bavi nears US Pacific islands with 280 kmph winds, Category 5-strength impact feared

Howling winds and heavy rain lashed Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on Sunday as residents prepared for the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi, a powerful storm expected to make its closest approach early Monday.

Authorities warned of catastrophic damage as the typhoon strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane.

According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Super Typhoon Bavi is forecast to move westward with maximum sustained winds of up to 280 kmph and gusts reaching 333 kmph.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) described Bavi as "very dangerous" and warned of catastrophic wind damage near the eye of the storm, along with storm surges and hazardous surf conditions.

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Rota faces greatest threat

The Northern Mariana Islands have a population of around 40,000, while Guam is home to about 170,000 people.

Forecasters said Bavi is expected to pass closest to Rota, the southernmost island of the Northern Marianas, on Monday morning.

The National Weather Service warned that if the storm passes directly over or near Rota, large parts of the island could become uninhabitable for weeks. Officials warned that many homes could be destroyed, trees uprooted, power poles brought down and electricity disrupted for weeks or even months.

Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog urged residents to remain cautious.

"By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, neighbours and community. We pray for the safety of our people," he said.

The Marianas archipelago has been hit by several powerful storms in recent years. Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread power outages and damage in April, while Typhoon Mawar devastated the region in 2023.

Warmer oceans fuel stronger storms

Scientists say warmer ocean temperatures are helping tropical cyclones become more intense. The European Union's Copernicus Marine Service recently reported that the world's oceans recorded their hottest June on record.

Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organisation said El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific and are likely to strengthen, increasing the likelihood of changes in global weather patterns, including more intense tropical storms.

With inputs from AFP, AP