Emergency evacuations were underway in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a powerful super typhoon approached US Pacific territories, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall, according to local weather agencies.

Bavi is expected to undergo rapid intensification before bringing super typhoon conditions to the U.S. Northern Mariana Islands this weekend.

Residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas prepare as a projected super typhoon approaches the U.S. Pacific islands.