Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward US Territories in Pacific

Typhoon warnings are in effect for Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the northern islands of Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan. Guam remains under a tropical storm warning and a typhoon watch, according to the weather agency.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 4/13/2026, 9:53:53 PM EDT

Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward US Territories in Pacific — A satellite image shows super typhoon Sinlakua in the Pacific Ocean on April 13, 2026. (NOAA via AP)

A super typhoon is closing in on the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting expanded warnings, urgent shelter orders, and preparations for life-threatening winds, flooding, and coastal flooding.

The National Weather Service said Super Typhoon Sinlaku was located about 130 miles east-northeast of Guam as of Tuesday morning local time, packing sustained winds of 165 mph and moving northwest toward Tinian and Saipan.

Guam, a U.S. territory with several American military installations and about 170,000 residents, isn't expected to take a direct hit but still could see damaging winds.

Forecasters said the storm is expected to pass near or over Tinian and Saipan as a Category 4 or 5 typhoon, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. Tropical storm-force winds are already hitting parts of the region and are expected to intensify through the day.

A flood watch remains in effect across Guam and the Northern Marianas through Wednesday morning, with flash flooding possible, the weather service said. Rainfall totals could reach 15 to 25 inches near the storm’s center.

Dangerous surf and coastal flooding are also expected. The weather service warned that waves could reach 20 to 30 feet around Tinian and Saipan, with water possibly rising 10 to 15 feet above normal in some areas.

Trump Approves Emergency Declarations, Says FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that President Donald Trump “has swiftly approved emergency declarations to support Guam and Northern Mariana Islands officials as they mobilize to protect lives and property ahead of Typhoon Sinlaku.”

“Our embedded teams on the islands are coordinating closely with partners to immediately bring resources to impacted areas and address emergency needs,” FEMA said.

The American Red Cross said more than 100 volunteers are headed to Guam ahead of the storm, with supplies and personnel positioned to support shelters and emergency relief once conditions allow.

Super typhoons are the strongest type of tropical cyclone in the western Pacific, with sustained winds of at least 150 mph they are equivalent to a major Category 4 or 5 hurricane in the Atlantic.

The storm rapidly intensified over the weekend and is the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far this year, according to meteorologists. It could track directly over or just north of Saipan and Tinian, increasing the risk of widespread damage and prolonged power outages.

A super typhoon is a regional term for a powerful tropical cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters and draws energy from heat and moisture, according to the weather service.

The National Weather Service said the next update is expected late Tuesday as Sinlaku continues its approach.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.