Northern Marianas Warned to Prepare for Super Typhoon Bavi

Residents of the Northern Marianas are bracing for the impact of super typhoon Bavi, a powerful Category 5 storm that the U.S. National Weather Service warns could bring devastating winds.

The typhoon is projected to make landfall early Monday morning, with its path expected to pass between the islands of Tinian and Rota. Peak wind speeds could reach up to 280 km/h, though the storm may weaken slightly before passage, with winds still potentially reaching 257 km/h.

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preparation was the most important thing people could do, with anything not secured likely to be picked up by winds well before the arrival of the typhoon.

Meteorologist Josh Whisnant emphasized the critical importance of preparation, noting that unsecured objects could become dangerous projectiles well before the typhoon's arrival. The weather service has issued dire warnings, advising residents to seek refuge in reinforced concrete structures and to be prepared for potential evacuation orders.

Adding to the danger, flash flood warnings are in effect for the entire region. The storm is predicted to generate waves of 8-11 meters near its center as it passes. This event follows closely on the heels of another Category 5 cyclone, Sinlaku, which battered the Marianas and Guam in April, causing widespread destruction, at least six deaths, and significant livestock losses on Saipan.

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the winds would pose a deadly threat, and advised people to seek shelter in re-inforced concrete buildings and be ready to evacuate, if necessary.