'Take cover now': Extreme Wind Warning issued for Rota as Bavi's eyewall closes in

Meteorologists warn that catastrophic winds from Super Typhoon Bavi are bearing down on Rota, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an extreme wind warning early Monday. The NWS issues such alerts when sustained winds of 120 mph or more are expected.

The warning, in effect until 6:30 a.m., was issued at 4:33 a.m. after Doppler radar detected catastrophic winds approaching from the east and imminent over the entire island.

“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation,” National Weather Service meteorologists wrote in the bulletin. “Take cover now!” They warned Rota residents that venturing outside could be fatal, with widespread destructive winds in excess of 150 mph expected and unreinforced structures at risk of total destruction.

Bavi, now a Category 5 super typhoon with sustained winds of 180 mph, was located about 115 miles east of Guam as of 1 a.m., moving west at 10 mph. Forecasters said the storm has nearly maxed out the intensity scale used to measure tropical cyclones, and Rota is the most likely to see a direct hit.

Super typhoon winds will continue over Rota through early afternoon, with winds not expected to drop below typhoon force until then and below tropical storm force until after midnight tonight.

Meteorologists said the island could see storm surge up to 6 feet, with an additional 10 to 15 feet of wind- and wave-driven runup, and surf as high as 25 to 35 feet. Rainfall totals of 14 to 20 inches are possible.

“Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks, perhaps longer,” the agency said, warning that non-reinforced homes will likely be destroyed and power outages could last for weeks to months.

Flash Flood Warnings are now in effect across Guam, Rota, Saipan and Tinian, with the National Weather Service reporting flooding already occurring in several areas as of early Monday morning.

In Saipan and Tinian, the flash flood warning — in effect until 9 a.m. — covers Garapan, Dandan, Chinatown, Tanapag, As Mahetog, Koblerville, San Jose, and the Chalan Kanoa, Kagman and Gualo Rai areas, among others.

In Guam and Rota, the warning — in effect until 8:15 a.m. — includes Dededo, Tamuning, Yigo, Hagåtña Heights, Andersen Air Force Base, Sinapalo and Songsong.

A typhoon warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Guam is expected to see sustained winds of 50 to 80 mph with gusts to 100 mph through late afternoon, with minor to moderate damage likely, including partial roof failures on some homes and scattered power outages.

Tinian and Saipan are forecast to see sustained winds of 65 to 85 mph with gusts to 110 mph through late evening — strong enough to tear roofs from some homes, blow out windows in high-rises, and cause widespread, extended power outages.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Alamagan, with a tropical storm watch continuing for Pagan and Agrihan.

NWS meteorologists said the next full update will be issued around 9 a.m., or sooner if conditions warrant.