Super Typhoon Mawar is expected to hit Guam sometime this evening and bring with it heavy rains, powerful winds and a devastating storm surge, reports 13 News Now.
As of Tuesday morning, it was located about 100 miles southeast of the Pacific Island at a category 5, according to CNN. It is expected to be the strongest storm to hit the island in 60 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says category 5 storms have winds of 157 miles per hour or stronger and can cause catastrophic damage.
The Weather Service in Guam describes Mawar as one “that will be remembered for decades.”
The Weather Channel warns the Mariana Islands are in immediate danger and could pose a threat to other islands in the region.
A surge of 6 to 10 feet described as life-threatening is possible on the Guam coast Wednesday. It’s most destructive winds could also pass over Guam Wednesday. Buildings not reinforced by concrete are especially in danger. Widespread power and water outages could last days, even weeks.
The governor of Guam has declared a state of emergency, reports Axios. Guam has a population of 160,000 people and includes three U.S. military bases. President Biden approved an emergency declaration in the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday.
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero ordered all residents in low lying areas to evacuate by 6pm Tuesday night.
“Mawar is a real threat and a possible direct hit to our island,” she said.
CNN reports that storm surge deaths are the number one cause of hurricane-related fatalities within the United States.
“Large boats could be torn from moorings,” said the Weather Service. Flash floods and landslides are also likely.
The increasing intensity of storms has been linked to climate change.
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