- Super Typhoon Bavi has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm with winds of up to 167 miles (269 kilometers) per hour, threatening Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
- The storm is expected to grow even stronger before making landfall, with some models predicting maximum winds between 175 and 184 miles per hour.
- Evacuations are underway in Guam, where five evacuation centers have been opened, primarily for vulnerable individuals.
- The National Weather Service has warned that the storm could cause catastrophic damage, with significant flooding and waves potentially reaching 11 meters (35 feet) high.
- Bavi is already one of the strongest storms of 2026 and the third Category 5 tropical cyclone this year, following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.
- The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts that Bavi will have winds of 150 knots (173 mph) when it arrives over the islands.
- Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have already experienced one super typhoon this year, Sinlaku, which caused significant damage and loss of life.
Super Typhoon Bavi is rapidly intensifying, with maximum sustained winds of 167 mph and gusts reaching 200 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall early Monday, threatening Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with catastrophic conditions.14
The National Weather Service (NWS) has classified Bavi as a Category 5 storm, warning of potential catastrophic wind damage and significant flooding. Waves could reach heights of 35 feet, and the storm is predicted to pass directly over the islands, impacting approximately 210,000 residents.5
Emergency evacuations are underway, with Guam opening five evacuation centers, which have already reached maximum capacity. The island's civil defense office reported that vulnerable populations are being prioritized.3
Pinky Cubacub, a local business owner, expressed her concerns, stating, "I cannot afford to lose so many days. It hurts." Meanwhile, Japanese tourist Miku Sakurai shared her fears about the storm, saying, "I am scared."
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has indicated that Bavi is one of the strongest storms of 2026, following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused significant damage earlier this year. The region has seen an increase in severe storms, attributed to a strong El Niño event.6
As Bavi approaches, officials are urging residents to take precautions and prepare for the worst. Rota mayor Aubry Hocog emphasized community safety, stating, "By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, neighbors and community."
“Super Typhoon Bavi has sustained winds of 166 mph with gusts up to 200 mph and is expected to intensify further before landfall. It follows Typhoon Sinlaku, which killed 17 people and caused $1.5 billion in damage to the region in April.”
