Red Cross Sending Disaster Teams as New Storm Nears Guam, CNMI Islands

Woman in sun hat and pink shirt stands in front of destroyed home.

1 of 3

Nida Amansec stands outside her destroyed Tinian home after Typhoon Sinlaku destroyed it with 130+mph winds. Photo by Scott Marder/American Red Cross

Man in Red Cross vest carries relief supplies.

2 of 3

Red Cross teams distributed relief supplies to residents in hard-hit areas of Saipan, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Sinlaku. Photo by Scott Marder/American Red Cross

Two women in Red Cross vests deliver relief supplies.

3 of 3

Red Cross volunteers distributed emergency supplies to Saipan communities hit hard by Typhoon Sinlaku. Several were Saipan residents who dropped everything to volunteer with the Red Cross. Photo by Scott Marder/American Red Cross.

July 01, 2026

A powerful storm is headed for Guam, Tinian and Saipan less than three months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread destruction across the same islands. The American Red Cross is monitoring the tropical depression and deploying disaster teams to the region ahead of any landfall.

Tropical Depression 95W is predicted to strengthen to Tropical Typhoon Omais. While the storm's path is still uncertain, it could be a Category 4 Typhoon as it nears the islands this coming weekend. The National Weather Service reports that people should prepare for the possibility of 6 to 12 inches of rainfall, strong winds and significant storm impacts.

Tinian and Saipan are part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). CNMI and Guam are U.S. territories whose residents are U.S. citizens.

The Red Cross is working with teams on the islands and deploying disaster workers from across the U.S. to be ready to respond to any threat to Guam, Saipan and Tinian.

RECOVERY ONGOING AFTER APRIL TYPHOON As the new storm moves through the Pacific, people on Saipan and Tinian are still trying to come back from the damage Sinlaku left behind in April. The two islands bore the brunt of the storm, Sinlaku destroying home after home. There are still areas without power, people are still trying to get their homes repaired, some folks are still not able to return to work and communications remain difficult. The Red Cross continues to work closely with community partners to help support impacted residents as they recover after Sinlaku and prepare for the potential incoming storm.

GET READY NOW Officials are urging people to prepare for the storm now, not wait for a storm watch or warning. Folks on the islands should:

Review their household emergency plan.
Prepare an emergency kit with enough food and water for 7–10 days, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies.
Secure tin roofs and cover windows with storm shutters or plywood
Clear loose debris and secure outdoor items that could become airborne or contribute to flooding.
Clear drainage areas and storm drains around their property.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.