Typhoon Bavi becomes super typhoon, threatens Marianas

A powerful typhoon is rapidly intensifying over the western Pacific Ocean, posing a significant threat to U.S. territories this weekend and potentially affecting parts of East Asia next week. Typhoon Bavi strengthened into a super typhoon on Friday, July 3, with maximum sustained winds reaching 185 kilometers per hour and gustiness up to 230 km/h.

The storm is currently located well east of the Philippines and is moving westward. Forecasters warn it is expected to pass near or over the Mariana Islands, including Guam and the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by Sunday or Monday. The National Weather Service in Guam said the system could bring tropical storm-force winds to the region by late Sunday, escalating to typhoon-force winds by Monday.

Residents in the Marianas are preparing for hazardous conditions, with officials urging them to secure property and prepare emergency kits. The region is still recovering from the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck in April, causing extensive damage estimated at $1.5 billion and leaving some residents without fully restored power or permanent housing. A cargo ship capsized during that storm, resulting in six...