Guam braces for direct hit from Super Typhoon Mawar

LOS ANGELES — Guam, a remote US island territory in the Pacific, is bracing for a possible direct hit from Super Typhoon Mawar, which could unleash deadly winds, torrential rains and extreme flooding.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas, especially in flood-prone southern villages.

"Be in a solid reinforced concrete structure TONIGHT. Worst conditions Wednesday," warned NWS Guam in a tweet.

As of 7:00 p.m. Tuesday Guam time (0900 GMT, 5 p.m. Philippines time), the storm was 140 miles (225 kilometers) southeast of Guam, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph), the state forecaster said in an advisory.

Winds could gust up to 190 mph (305 kph) near the eye wall, bringing major damage to buildings and homes made of light materials, such as non-concrete roofs and walls that are not made of reinforced concrete.

The NWS added: "The triple threat of cat 4 typhoon force winds, torrential rains and life-threatening storm surge are all expected for Guam.

"Large storm surge and coastal impacts are likely to occur, particularly for coastal areas just north of the eye of Mawar on the east to southeast sides of Guam."

Guam could receive rainfall of 10 to 15 inches, the weather service said, with some areas experiencing 20 inches or more.

These in turn could trigger landslides in the central and southern parts of the island, the weather service warned.

In a Facebook post, Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero warned the island's 170,000 residents to "SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY" with the onset of damaging winds expected even before the storm strikes in full force.

People have been asked to stay inside and away from windows, and not venture outside during temporary lulls as flying debris can cause serious injury.

President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Guam on Tuesday so that federal aid can be provided to the island, according to a statement from the White House.

About 60 flights departing from or arriving in Guam and scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday have been canceled, A.B. Won Pat International Airport said.

Conditions are predicted to improve on Thursday. — Agence France-Presse