Super Typhoon Sinlaku

The storm is one of the strongest early-season typhoons on record and has slowed to a crawl as it bears down on the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

Residents have been urged to shelter in place as flying debris and collapsing buildings pose a significant danger.

Flash flood warnings are in effect across the region, with bands of heavy rain expected to persist for several days.

The National Weather Service has described the situation as 'extremely dangerous' and 'life-threatening' for the roughly 50,000 people in the storm's path.