MANILA (dpa): Authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands raised the highest alert level on Monday as Super Typhoon Sinlaku approached the United States (US) Pacific territory, with destructive winds expected within hours.
The remote island chain, north-east of the Philippines, is bracing for severe impact, while the US territory of Guam further south is also preparing for possible effects.
Sinlaku could bring wind gusts exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, with the US research institute CIRA warning of potentially catastrophic weather conditions.
Typhoon Warning Condition 1, indicating destructive winds within 12 hours, was issued for Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Governor David Apatang ordered extensive precautionary measures, while the highest storm warning was also declared for the northern islands of Pagan and Alamagan.
Flights have been cancelled and schools closed.
The storm was last located about 500 kilometres south-east of Saipan and moving north-west, with forecasters expecting it to pass close to or directly over the islands.
US President Donald Trump declared an emergency for the territory, activating support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Apatang urged residents to complete preparations, stay at home or seek safer shelter if needed.
Authorities warned people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and avoid coastal areas due to strong winds, poor visibility and storm surge risks.
The Northern Mariana Islands have a population of about 45,000.
Sinlaku is among the strongest storms of the season, with experts warning of severe damage from extreme winds, heavy rainfall and flooding even if the eye of the storm does not make landfall. -- dpa
