Typhoon Champi Strengthens to Category 2, 100 mph winds

Typhoon Champi is rapidly intensifying and is now a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, according to National Weather Service Guam Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett.

The rapid intensification will continue as Champi makes its approach to the Marianas. As of 1 p.m. the storm was 225 miles east-southeast of Guam moving west-northwest at 290 degrees, traveling 18 mph.

"Typhoon force winds extend up to 40 miles outward from the center, while tropical storm force winds extend up to 125 miles from the center. Champi is expected to continue its rapid intensification this evening, likely becoming a category-3 typhoon by tonight.

Aydlett said the forecast shows Champi made a slight shift to the north since 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. forecasts.

"Over the next 3 forecast cycles (7 pm, 1 am Sunday, 7 am), we can anticipate additional shifts either to the north or south, but the amount of shift possible between now and Champi’s passage will be very limited moving forward," Aydlett said.

Weather officials said the current forecast tracks the center of Champi just offshore of southern Guam early Sunday morning as a strong category 3 typhoon.

"This would put the northern eye wall of Champi over southern Guam. Champi could still make a direct passage over Guam with a slight shift to the north," Aydlett said.

Weather officials said that Champi poses a significant risk to Guam.

"A direct hit by Champi as a category-3 typhoon would make this the strongest typhoon to strike Guam since Typhoon Mawar in May 2023. Champi is forecast to be a major typhoon at the time of passage, resulting in significant impacts and destruction to the island. If intensification is more rapid than forecast, it is possible that Champi could be a category-4 typhoon at the time of passage near, or over

Guam," NWS Guam said.

Weather officials urged residents to seek safe shelter by sunset Saturday.

"If you are not in a reinforced concrete structure with secure windows and doors, seek safe shelter immediately. Time is running out for actions to protect life and property," Aydlett said.

A Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Guam and Rota.

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This storm watch update is brought to you by senatorial candidates Clynt Ridgell, "Let's Grow Guam Together"; Sabrina Salas Matanane, "Bri the Difference"; and Chief Energy Partners, "Your Power. Your Terms. Your Lifestyle." Special thanks to sponsors Donna Muna Quinata, "Driven to Serve"; Burger King; and MacTech Guam.

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