Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone of 2026 so far, is striking the U.S. Northern Mariana Islands and threatening Guam with destructive winds, flooding, and storm surge as of Tuesday (April 14) local time. The storm, which reached peak sustained winds of 185 mph, is currently impacting Saipan and Tinian, bringing what the National Weather Service has called a rare “extreme wind warning” as Sinlaku’s eyewall moves over the islands.
The typhoon, which formed on Wednesday (April 9), is moving slowly at about nine mph, prolonging dangerous conditions for residents and visitors. Though Sinlaku is beginning to weaken, it remains a Category 4 or 5 storm as it churns through the region, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning System and Guam’s Office of Civil Defence. Widespread rain, flash flooding, and power outages have been reported on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, as well as on Guam, which has so far avoided a direct hit but is still under tropical storm warnings and a typhoon watch.
Saipan International Airport measured wind gusts exceeding 100 mph for more than 10 hours, peaking at 130 mph. In Guam, the airport reported gusts up to 88 mph, while utility lines were downed and flooding reached one foot deep in some areas. The National Weather Service said parts of Saipan and Guam have received five to 12 inches of rain, with flash flood warnings in place. Storm surges of 10 to 15 feet above normal are possible in the Northern Marianas, while Guam could see surges of one to three feet and dangerous sea conditions until Thursday.
About 50,000 people live on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with many residents sheltering in sturdy concrete homes or government shelters. Some residents expect weeks or months without electricity and water due to the islands’ remote location and history of slow recovery after major storms.
The storm is expected to continue affecting the region through Wednesday, then turn north and northeast, moving away from Japan.
President Donald Trump approved emergency disaster declarations for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, allowing for federal support. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed nearly 100 staff and is coordinating with other agencies to deliver emergency services, despite an ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
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