'Strongest in over 60 years': Typhoon Mawar dangerously threatens the US island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean

DAY

'Super Typhoon' Mawar is heading towards the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, threatening to smash into US territory as the strongest storm in more than 60 years.  

The typhoon, which has strengthened in recent days, now poses a “triple threat” of devastation due to its powerful winds equivalent to a category five hurricane. 

In addition to its killer breezes, meteorologists note exceptional storm surges and torrential rains, according to the National Weather Service office in Guam. 

Tropical Storm Mawar has been described as “one that will be remembered for decades,” said Landon Aydlett, the coordinating expert for Guam's weather service. 

According to Aydlett , the typhoon is expected to hit the island, possibly making landfall, shortly after midnight. And if it makes direct landfall, the island will be buffeted by the storm's strongest winds. 

And although the US island of Guam is located in the western Pacific Ocean, an area prone to the most intense tropical storms in the world, this force would be extremely rare. 

Indeed, it is believed to have been produced only about eight times in the past 75 years. 

The US territory of Guam is only about 30 miles long, so moving the center of the storm will quickly take place on the island, as will the damage. 

A further reinforcement is possible on Tuesday. The typhoon could reach the equivalent of a category five hurricane with winds of over 250 kilometers per hour. 

If so as it makes landfall, Storm Mawar would be the fifth tropical storm equivalent to category five on the planet so far this year. 

Hurricane and storm season typhoons are just beginning, and the global storm average was reached in May. 

It would also be the strongest storm to hit Guam since Super Typhoon Karen in 1962, which is considered to be the worst to hit the island so far. 

Damage to prevent

As the winds oscillate on a Category 5 force, considerable damage is expected to buildings that are not reinforced by concrete, forecasters have warned.&nbsp ;

Significant damage is also possible to roofs, as well as flying projectiles that will be thrown into the air by strong winds. 

“Electricity and water may be unavailable for days or even weeks after the storm passes, and most trees will be snapped or uprooted,” according to one estimate.

According to the Guam Weather Service, until up to 70% of the island's foliage could be stripped. 

Tropical storm surge-related deaths are historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States, according to the Nation Weather Service . Widespread flooding and landslides are plausible as the storm is expected to bring 10 to 20 inches of rain.