Super Typhoon Sinlaku
Sinlaku was a violent typhoon in the Western Pacific Ocean that formed on April 9, 2026. A couple of days later, Sinlaku underwent rapid intensification, becoming a super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (290 km/h) and a central pressure of 897 mb. Sinlaku is so far the most powerful storm on Earth in 2026.
Typhoon Sinlaku gradually moved northwest towards Guam and the Mariana Islands, passing over the islands of Saipan and Tinian during the late night hours local time on April 14. The storm brought destructive wind gusts of 130 mph (210 km/h) to the islands, as well as torrential rains and large waves.
Sinlaku caused widespread damage to infrastructure and nature in Saipan and Tinian, shutting down roads as well as knocking out power to much of Saipan. While outside of the strongest parts of the storm, Guam received heavy rains and tropical-force winds.
The islands are no strangers to very strong typhoons passing close by and bringing severe impacts, such as Super Typhoons Mawar and Bolaven in 2023.
Typhoon Sinlaku then moved in a northerly direction, where it still brought impacts to the Mariana Islands in the following days. It then turned northeast, heading out over more open waters before dissipating on April 20.
For more information, visit the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Satellite imagery of this event:
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