Super Typhoon Sinlaku, a Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone, is moving toward Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting emergency warnings, shelter openings, and urgent preparations across the U.S. Pacific territories.

As of early Monday morning local time, the storm was tracking north-northwest at about 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service office in Guam. Forecast models show Sinlaku passing near Saipan and Tinian, two of the most populated islands in the Northern Mariana Islands, with conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly beginning Monday evening into Tuesday.

Typhoon warnings are currently in effect for Rota, Saipan, and Tinian, while Guam remains under a tropical storm warning as officials monitor the storm’s projected path.

Forecasters expect typhoon conditions to develop across Saipan and Tinian on Tuesday and continue into Tuesday night, with sustained winds initially ranging from 80 to 120 mph before potentially intensifying further to 130 to 160 mph. Heavy rainfall is also expected to accompany the system, raising concerns for flash flooding and infrastructure damage.

Dangerous ocean conditions are forecast across the region, with wave heights projected to reach 15 to 25 feet near Guam, 20 to 30 feet near Rota, and up to 30 to 40 feet near Saipan and Tinian through Wednesday.

Local authorities have opened emergency shelters in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as residents prepare for landfall conditions. Officials are urging the public to complete preparations immediately as the storm approaches.

Sinlaku’s projected impact zone places both U.S. territories at risk of widespread power outages, coastal flooding, and structural damage if the system maintains its current intensity through landfall.