Super Typhoon Bavi Races Toward Guam: Evacuations on High Alert

Sun Sep 06 2026 15:54:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A super typhoon with winds of 257 km/h is slated to hit Guam and the Northern Marianas, sparking emergency evacuations across the islands.

Super Typhoon Bavi, classified by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center as a category‑5 equivalent storm, is set to make landfall on Monday morning over Guam and the Northern Marianas. The National Weather Service has warned of catastrophic damage, with waves up to eleven metres and torrential rain potentially flooding low‑lying areas. Five evacuation centres have opened in Guam, each holding about 1,700 residents, and emergency officials are urging anyone with vulnerable homes to seek safety immediately. Business owners are boarding up windows and preparing for loss of life and property, while travelers face flight cancellations and heightened anxiety. Climate scientists note that El Niño and rising ocean temperatures are contributing to stronger storms in the western Pacific.

Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands brace for Super Typhoon Bavi

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts the storm to hit early Monday morning, with wind speeds reaching 257 km/h (160 mph). It has warned that the storm could cause catastrophic damage, with large waves up to 11 metres and severe flooding from heavy rains expected.

The NWS explains that destructive winds will be felt within eight to ten hours of the storm’s centre. Local officials urge anyone with vulnerable homes or at risk of flooding to evacuate. The window for safe evacuation is rapidly closing.

Guam’s population of about 170,000 has opened five evacuation centres located in schools. One centre has reached maximum capacity the day before, and residents are being redirected to other sites.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center has labelled Bavi as a super typhoon – a storm with sustained winds above 130 knots (150 mph). It expects Bavi to have terminal winds of 150 knots (173 mph) and gusts up to 180 knots.

Local business owners are preparing by boarding up their premises. One restaurateur highlighted the cost of plywood and the potential loss of income if the tower continues.

The Pacific region experiences powerful typhoons regularly, but scientists point out that climate change is increasing their frequency and intensity. A strong El Niño event will likely push more storms toward higher intensities.

Guam and the Northern Marianas have faced a super typhoon in April this year, which killed 17 people and caused about 1.5 bn USD of damage. Warmer sea surface temperatures add moisture to storms, intensifying their power.