Sinlaku has been rapidly intensifying the past 24 hours, and is now a powerful Category Five super typhoon, reaching 180 miles per hour maximum sustained winds. Here at home, Guam is expecting tropical storm-force winds starting tonight as the system approaches the Marianas. Meteorologists say Guam may be spared from the brunt of Sinlaku, but say it’s looking “very grim” for Tinian and Saipan.

While Sinlaku is now a powerful super typhoon, the latest forecasts show it tracking north of Guam. But even with that shift, impacts here on island are still expected. Guam may be out of the direct crosshairs, as Sinlaku continues towards the CNMI, but not out of range of damaging winds, according to National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist Landon Aydlett. "The likelihood of a direct passage over or very near Guam is very small at this point. It’s very good news for us in Guam. We could breathe a little easier. But don’t let your guard down," he said.

"There’s certainly a risk to us. We’re going to be dealing with damaging impacts from those damaging tropical storm-force winds. Power outages, we’re already getting reports of spotty power outages across the island just overnight and this morning with some of those rain and wind gusts. That’s going to worsen," he added.

By midday Monday, Sinlaku continued it’s path northwest with maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour. The island was set to enter Condition of Readiness 1 at 4pm on Monday afternoon, which means destructive winds are possible within 12 hours. Guam can expect an extended period of tropical storm force winds between 39 to 73 miles per hour Monday evening into Wednesday.

The NWS also anticipates 6-12" of rainfall over the next several days. "A big concern is of course southern Guam where they are very vulnerable to flooding issues as well as Yigo, Dededo and parts on the plateau," Aydlett speculated.

And while Guam may be spared from the worst, Aydlett says it’s a grim outlook for Tinian and Saipan. "If this were to hit any of the islands in the region, it would be a catastrophic worst case scenario, similar to Super Typhoon Yutu back in October of 2018, which barrelled over Tinian and Saipan," he explained. Typhoon-force winds are expected to start reaching Rota, Tinian and Saipan on Tuesday.

In the meantime here on Guam, officials say preparations should be completed by Monday night. Residents are advised to remain indoors until COR 4 is announced, stay out of the water and seek emergency shelter.

Tropical storm-force winds are expected as early as Monday night. Officials are urging residents to complete preparations now as conditions are expected to deteriorate into Tuesday.

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