Mawar Aims for the Philippines

Typhoon Mawar has strengthened into a super typhoon, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane with 175 mph winds, after hitting the US island territory of Guam with the force of a Category 4 hurricane earlier this week. Mawar's winds are estimated to be stronger than any tropical cyclone since Super Typhoon Rai in December 2021.

Mawar is forecast to maintain its current intensity (see satellite imagery) for the next two days, moving northwest of Guam over the Pacific Ocean. It is expected to weaken over the next five days as it approaches the northern Philippines and southern Taiwan. Once it reaches the Philippine area of responsibility (see 101), it will be given the local name Betty.

No fatalities have been recorded in Guam, according to early reports. However, most of the island of more than 150,000 people remains without electricity and running water. Mawar is the strongest typhoon to hit Guam since Super Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. See photos of Mawar's damage here.