Summary
Super Typhoon Sinlaku is heading towards the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The storm, considered the strongest of 2026 so far, is expected to cause dangerous weather conditions, with warnings of potential flooding and wind damage. As Guam prepares for the storm, warnings remain in effect, although direct impact on the island is now less likely.
Key Facts
- Super Typhoon Sinlaku formed on April 9, 2026, and is the strongest storm of the year so far.
- The storm has sustained winds of 278 km/hour (173 mph) as reported on Monday.
- Sinlaku is located 68 nautical miles (126 km) southeast of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
- The storm is moving at 14 km/hour (9 mph) and is expected to pass by as a Category 4 or 5 storm.
- Guam is under a tropical storm warning and typhoon watch, with winds up to 80 km/hour (50 mph) expected.
- Residents of Guam, about 170,000 people, are advised to avoid water activities due to dangerous sea conditions.
- Sinlaku has already caused significant damage in the outer islands of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia.
- Australia has pledged $1.75 million to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands after a recent cyclone caused deaths and damage.
