Marianas Typhoon Threat
Guam and Northern Marianas Face Second Super Typhoon Threat in 2026 Amid Weather Concerns
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Super Typhoon Bavi is bearing down on Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands, marking the second time in 2026 that a super typhoon has threatened this chain of US Pacific territories. Miami Herald reports the storm has reached Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale — the highest possible rating — with conditions expected to grow even more dangerous in the days ahead.
The threat arrives before the region has had time to fully recover from the first super typhoon to strike this year. Forecasters warn that Bavi could intensify further before it makes its closest approach to the islands, according to Star-Telegram.
Bavi Reaches Category 5 With More Strength Coming
Super Typhoon Bavi is already a Category 5 storm, the most powerful class on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Category 5 storms carry sustained winds above 157 mph. That means catastrophic damage is possible — roofs torn off, trees snapped, and power lines destroyed. Sacramento Bee reports forecasters expect the storm to grow even stronger before it reaches the islands.
The Northern Marianas Islands sit in the western Pacific Ocean. They are a US commonwealth, meaning American disaster response resources apply there. Guam, a separate US territory just south, also falls in the storm's path. Both face the same dangerous conditions.
Second Super Typhoon of 2026 Raises Alarm
Having two super typhoons threaten the same region in a single year is rare and alarming. A super typhoon is the western Pacific term for a tropical cyclone with winds above 150 mph. Bradenton Herald notes this is already the second such storm to menace the Marianas in 2026, putting the islands on high alert once again.
The first super typhoon of the year left the region scrambling to repair damage and restore services. Emergency teams and residents were still working through recovery when Bavi formed and strengthened. That compressed timeline leaves less room to prepare, stock supplies, and secure buildings before the next blow arrives.
Guam and Marianas Brace for Impact
Local officials have urged residents to prepare now. That means stocking water and food, securing loose objects outside, and knowing where to shelter. The News Tribune reports conditions could deteriorate quickly as the storm closes in, giving people little time to act once the outer bands begin to arrive.
Super typhoons at Category 5 strength can cause life-threatening storm surge — walls of ocean water pushed ashore by the wind. They also bring torrential rainfall that causes flooding and mudslides. The Northern Marianas, a string of small islands, have little natural protection from open ocean swells driven by such powerful storms.
What Comes Next as Bavi Tracks Toward the Islands
Forecasters are watching Bavi's track closely. The storm's exact path will determine which islands take the worst of the wind and surge. Bellingham Herald notes the storm is still expected to strengthen, meaning conditions on the islands could be even more severe than current forecasts suggest.
US federal disaster agencies are monitoring the storm. Any direct hit from a Category 5 super typhoon would likely trigger federal disaster declarations, unlocking emergency funding and resources. Residents across both Guam and the Northern Marianas are being told to treat this threat as serious and act without delay.
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