Super Typhoon Bavi’s wind field puts all Marianas at risk; residents urged to use weekend window to prepare

With Super Typhoon Bavi now packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and forecast to strengthen further as it moves toward the Marianas, emergency officials are urging businesses and residents to treat this weekend as their critical window to prepare for potentially damaging winds.

The National Weather Service in Guam said Bavi rapidly intensified overnight, strengthening from a category 4 storm to a category 5 super typhoon by early morning, Saturday, July 4, as it tracks west toward the region. Forecasters expect the system to peak near 175 mph on Sunday before beginning a slow weakening trend as it approaches and passes through the Marianas.

Graphic by National Weather Service, Guam

As of 7 a.m. Saturday, Bavi was located about 480 miles east of Guam and 445 miles east‑southeast of Saipan, moving west at around 10 mph. The latest forecast track brings the eye between Rota and Tinian, with a slight southward shift making a closer approach to Rota.

Landon Aydlett, NWS warning coordination meteorologist, said tropical storm‑force winds span about 260 miles across, with typhoon‑force winds around 100 miles across. This large wind field means Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan could all experience long‑duration tropical storm‑force winds — and some areas near the track could see destructive typhoon‑strength winds — even if the eye does not make direct landfall on any island.

A typhoon watch is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan, meaning typhoon‑force conditions are possible with damaging tropical storm‑force winds within 48 hours. A tropical storm watch is posted for Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan, where tropical storm conditions are also possible within 48 hours.

Weather officials said all islands in the Marianas should, at a minimum, plan for tropical storm conditions and prepare for the possibility of much stronger, damaging winds if Bavi’s track shifts closer. “Prepare today for the protection of life and property,” the Weather Service alert stated, urging residents not to wait for last‑minute changes in the track or intensity forecast.

Businesses and households are being advised to secure outdoor equipment and loose materials, review continuity plans and ensure critical supplies are in place before conditions deteriorate. The combination of long‑duration strong winds and already rough seas could disrupt power, communications and inter‑island transport even if the eye of the storm passes to the north or south of any given island.

Special weather statements are also in effect for Chuuk, Yap and Palau, where building seas, surging winds and hazardous weather along the southern side of Bavi are expected as the super typhoon tracks to the north. Residents there are being urged to remain alert to local forecasts and evolving conditions as the system moves westward across the western North Pacific.

Authorities in Guam and the CNMI are directing the public to monitor updates from the National Weather Service in Guam and from homeland security and emergency management offices. With forecast shifts still likely as Bavi nears, officials emphasize that early action now could reduce damage and help the community recover more quickly once the storm passes.

Super Typhoon Bavi’s wind field puts all Marianas at risk; residents urged to use weekend window to prepare