Super Typhoon Bavi strengthened overnight, with sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts to 200 mph, as its eye tracks toward a direct hit on Rota.
As of 2 a.m. Friday, meteorologists said the eye was expected to pass directly over the Northern Marianas island at about 5 a.m., with extreme winds continuing over Rota until roughly 11 a.m.
Meteorologist Landon Aydlett warned Rota residents that if the eye passes over the island, they'll experience a lull before the second half of the eyewall arrives.
"Those incredible super typhoon-force winds will cease very quickly, becoming light and variable during the eye passage, lasting one to two hours," Aydlett said. "Do not mistake this for the end of the storm, because you have the other side of the eyewall coming right at you."
He urged residents not to venture outside during the calm.
"You'll see the wind increase very rapidly from those light and variable conditions to west winds of 140 to 165 mph, with gusts up to 200 mph," Aydlett said. "If you have that eye passage, you're going to have a period of calm — you may even see some sunshine. Do not mistake that sunshine for the end of the storm. It's not over."
Guam, Tinian, Saipan will be spared the worst. According to the National Weather Service's Guam office, Bavi's track spares Guam, Tinian and Saipan from the storm's most severe impacts, though residents across the region should still expect damaging winds.
Guam's northern region will sit at the edge of typhoon-force winds, with gusts of 65 to 75 mph expected at the storm's closest point of approach, said meteorologist Ian Morrison. Winds are forecast to begin around 8 a.m. and ease slightly moving south. Guam can expect 12 to 20 inches of rain in just a few hours as Bavi makes its way across the Marianas. Flash flooding is expected through early Tuesday morning. Flood watch remains in effect through late Tuesday night and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Throughout Monday, residents, particularly in the north, can expect sustained winds of 50 to 80 mph with gusts up to 100 mph, through late this afternoon.
Meteorologists also urge residents to stay out of the water as rip currents are expected to be life-threatening.
Saipan and Tinian can expect tropical storm-force winds.
Meteorologists also warned of other hazards. Residents throughout the Marianas should prepare for torrential rain, flash flooding and coastal inundation.
In Saipan, where recovery from Typhoon Sinlaku is still underway, officials urged residents in the following areas to take precautions against flash flooding:
Garapan, Dandan, Chinatown, Tanapag, As Mahetog, Koblerville, San Jose (Tinian Municipality), Chalan Kanoa I, San Antonio, Chalan Kanoa II, Chalan Kanoa III, San Roque, Kagman, Chalan Kanoa IV, Kagman III, Gualo Rai, Afetnas, Chalan Piao, Fanañgan and Chalan Laulau.
