Super Typhoon Sinlaku pounds remote US islands in the Pacific Ocean with ferocious winds

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest typhoon on Earth this year, struck the Northern Mariana Islands, a group of remote U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Packing winds up to 140 mph, the storm caused widespread damage, including collapsed buildings, flying debris, and power outages, impacting roughly 50,000 residents. Officials reported rescuing some individuals amidst heavy rain and wind, with concerns rising about the slow speed of the storm exacerbating the conditions. Saipan, the largest of the islands, was particularly affected as the typhoon approached at approximately 3 mph. The National Weather Service anticipated conditions worsening overnight.