Super Typhoon Sinlaku Strikes Northern Mariana Islands with 150 mph Winds
Super Typhoon Sinlaku has impacted the Northern Mariana Islands, bringing 150 mph winds and causing significant damage, including torn roofs and downed power lines.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku has struck the Northern Mariana Islands, delivering sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 kph) and causing significant damage across the islands of Tinian and Saipan, home to nearly 50,000 residents. The storm, the strongest tropical cyclone globally in 2026, led to widespread flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines.
In Saipan's village of Susupe, the typhoon tore the roof off a commercial building and broke tree branches. A blue sedan was found overturned. Resident Dong Min Lee shared a video showing a car atop two others in his apartment building's parking lot, with part of his balcony railing also torn off.
Preliminary reports indicate extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines, according to Jaden Sanchez, spokesperson for the Saipan mayor's office. No deaths have been reported.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors and avoid strong winds. Mayor Ramon "RB" Jose Blas Camacho is assessing the damage in the community.
The American Red Cross and its partners are sheltering more than 1,000 residents across Guam and the Northern Marianas, according to agency spokesperson Stephanie Fox.
President Donald Trump approved emergency disaster declarations ahead of the storm for Guam and the Mariana Islands. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating support across multiple agencies, dispatching nearly 100 FEMA staff and other personnel.
Super typhoons are equivalent to Category 4 or 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic, with winds of at least 150 mph (240 kph). There have been more than 300 super typhoons identified over the past 80 years by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Guam.
