Sinlaku rips through Northern Mariana Islands as strongest tropical cyclone this year

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, struck the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam on Tuesday and Wednesday, causing widespread damage. The storm brought sustained winds of up to 150 mph, toppling utility poles, ripping roofs, and flipping cars. Saipan, the largest of the Mariana Islands, was particularly affected, with power outages and impassable roads. While there have been no reported deaths, preliminary reports indicate significant flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines across the region. The American Red Cross and its partners are sheltering over 1,000 residents across Guam and the Northern Marianas. As of Wednesday night, Sinlaku was moving north, expected to curve towards sparsely populated volcanic islands.

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.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm of 2026 so far, is approaching the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. As of Tuesday local time, the storm was located southeast of Saipan and moving slowly. While weakening, Sinlaku still poses a significant threat, with warnings issued for destructive winds, heavy rain, and flooding in the Northern Mariana Islands. Guam is under a tropical storm warning and typhoon watch, expected to experience high winds and dangerous sea conditions. Residents are urged to take precautions and stay out of the water as storm conditions are expected to continue into Wednesday.

Super Typhoon Sinlakua, the strongest typhoon on Earth this year, is approaching the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean. Expected to make landfall on Tuesday, the storm threatens Rota, Tinian, and Saipan with destructive winds, heavy rain, and flooding, potentially causing lengthy power outages. The islands, home to approximately 50,000 people, are bracing for a Category 4 or 5 typhoon. Guam, a US territory with military installations and a population of 170,000, is under a tropical storm warning and could experience damaging winds. The United States Coast Guard has issued flood and high wind warnings for the region.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku is threatening the Mariana Islands, including Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, with extreme weather this week. Originating near Micronesia, the storm rapidly intensified, reaching sustained winds of 150 mph and is forecast to strengthen to 165 mph. While a direct hit on Guam is less likely, Saipan and Tinian are expected to experience the worst conditions, including hazardous seas, storm surges, heavy rainfall exceeding 300mm, flash flooding, and wind damage. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the region, noting the unusual timing of such an intense typhoon in April, outside the typical June-November peak season. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which formed after Cyclone Maila struck Papua New Guinea, passed near Fiji and impacted New Zealand with strong winds, causing power outages and evacuations.