Super Typhoon Sinlaku is hours from striking American islands in the Pacific.
A Historic Storm Threatens the Mariana Islands
The strongest storm on Earth this year is closing in on the Northern Mariana Islands, a chain of U.S.-held islands approximately 6,000 miles west of San Francisco. Roughly 50,000 American citizens reside in the islands.
As of Tuesday at 2 a.m. Local time (9 a.m. Pacific time), Sinlaku was about 150 miles southeast of Saipan, with sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts reaching 205 mph. The storm is moving northwest at 10 mph.
Impacts and Warnings
Damaging wind gusts up to 50 mph have already been recorded on Saipan and are expected to spread across the Mariana Islands on Tuesday. Typhoon warnings are currently in effect for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, while Guam is under a tropical storm warning.
The storm’s track has shifted, lessening the threat to Guam, a major U.S. Military hub. However, Guam is still expected to experience sustained tropical storm conditions. Rota is as well facing a less destructive outcome than initially anticipated.
However, Saipan faces a severe threat. Residents in homes not made of fully concrete are being advised to move to shelters. The storm could bring sustained winds of 130 to 155 mph and gusts near 200 mph at its closest approach. In 2018, Super Typhoon Yutu struck Saipan with 175-mph sustained winds, causing widespread devastation.
Beyond the Wind
The hazards extend beyond wind. The National Weather Service forecasts 15 to 20 inches of rain for Guam and Rota, and 8 to 15 inches for Tinian and Saipan between Monday and Thursday. Sinlaku is a massive storm, spanning up to 400 miles wide, meaning heavy rainfall will affect a large area.
Flash flooding, rapid runoff, and landslides are possible, especially in mountainous areas. Hazardous surf is expected to reach around 15 feet, and storm surge could cause coastal inundation and beach erosion later in the week.
United Airlines and Micronesian Air Connection have canceled flights through midweek, and schools and government offices across the islands are closed, with shelters open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Sinlaku?
As of Tuesday at 2 a.m. Local time (9 a.m. Pacific time), Sinlaku was about 150 miles southeast of Saipan, with sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts to 205 mph.
Which islands are under a typhoon warning?
Typhoon warnings are in effect for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Guam is under a tropical storm warning.
How does Sinlaku compare to previous storms?
Sinlaku is historically unusual, being only the second typhoon this strong so early in the calendar year. The only more powerful storm earlier in any year was Super Typhoon Hester, on January 1, 1953.
As the storm approaches, will the islands be able to adequately prepare and respond to the potential devastation?
