Typhoon Champi has intensified into a category 2 storm as it approaches the Mariana Islands, prompting Guam to shut its commercial port and forcing flight cancellations across the neighbouring Northern Marianas.
Guam governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero placed the island under its highest typhoon readiness condition at 1pm Saturday local time, ordering residents to remain indoors as Champi threatens to strike as a powerful category 3 typhoon early Sunday.
Authorities have also ordered residents in southern coastal and flood-prone areas to evacuate, with six emergency shelters designated across the island.
The US National Weather Service said Champi had sustained winds of 100 miles per hour (about 161km) Saturday afternoon and could strengthen further before passing just south of Guam.
National Weather Service warnings are available here.
The US Coast Guard has placed Guam’s commercial port under its highest heavy weather restriction, suspending all cargo and vessel operations.
Port general manager Rory Respicio said preparations were complete, with gantry cranes secured and shipping containers lowered to protect them from destructive winds.
In the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth Ports Authority said airports on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota remained open under its latest advisory, although several flights had been cancelled.
United Airlines cancelled flights for Sunday and Monday, while Star Marianas Air suspended its Sunday inter-island services.
Seaports across the Northern Marianas were also operating under weather-related restrictions, with further limitations expected.
CNMI governor David Apatang has placed Rota under Typhoon Condition II, while Saipan and Tinian remain under Condition III.
Rota could experience winds of up to 80 miles (129km) per hour, with stronger gusts, while Saipan and Tinian are forecast to experience tropical storm conditions.
The Weather Service has urged residents throughout the Marianas to seek safe shelter before sunset Saturday, with the worst conditions expected Sunday morning.
Champi is the latest major storm to threaten the region following Typhoon Sinlaku in April, Typhoon Bavi in July, and Tropical Storm Choi-wan earlier this month.
