causing extensive damage with fallen trees and downed power lines. No casualties had been reported, though hazardous conditions hindered clear-up operations. The small island of Rota was worst hit when Super Typhoon Bavi made direct landfall early Monday with winds reaching 180 mph, knocking out power, water, and communications for most of its 1,500 residents. Officials described "major damages," and the National Weather Service had warned the island could remain "uninhabitable for weeks, perhaps longer." Residents reported being without power and communications for eight hours.

On Tinian, northern Guam, and southern Saipan, winds reached category-one hurricane强 . Guam saw downed trees, fallen streetlamps, debris-strewn roads, and flipped vehicles, with about 10 major roads impassable due to flooding, rockslides, and utility damage. Authorities urged residents to stay off roads. Several hundred people sheltered at the Guam Plaza Hotel, where windows shook violently and rain leaked into rooms. Around 70 percent of guests were locals rather than tourists. Local resident Pinky Cubacub, who spent $500 on plywood to protect her eatery, said, "I cannot afford to lose so many days. It hurts."

Some residents noted this storm was less severe than April's Super Typhoon Sinlaku. One Tinian resident whose power had only been restored four days prior said, "I just hope electricity will be restored quickly." The storm comes amid a strengthening El Niño, which typically brings warmer ocean temperatures that fuel more intense tropical storms. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed El Niño has begun in the tropical Pacific and is likely to be strong. The NWS warned this could mean a much busier storm season than in recent years. (Bssnews)