Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Typhoon Bavi Strengthens to Category 5 as 43,000 in Northern Mariana Islands Brace
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5

Typhoon Bavi Strengthens to Category 5 as 43,000 in Northern Mariana Islands Brace

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5

Summary

  • Category 5 Typhoon Bavi was forecast to pass between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday morning local time after strengthening rapidly Sunday evening.
  • National Weather Service forecasters said the storm should track near or north of Rota Island, but a southward shift could expose all of Guam to destructive typhoon conditions.
  • At least damaging tropical-storm conditions were expected across all islands regardless of the exact path, with gusts already topping 50 mph at Guam International Airport and nearing 70 mph at Saipan.
  • Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were preparing for heavy rain and destructive winds while still recovering from April's Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused widespread damage.

Insights

Still rebuilding from a recent super typhoon, can the Mariana Islands' fragile infrastructure survive another direct Category 5 hit?
Could a second major typhoon in four months deliver the final blow to the Northern Mariana Islands' crippled tourism economy?
Fueled by El Niño, are back-to-back super typhoons the terrifying new reality for America's Pacific territories?