Super Typhoon Yutu lashes Northern Marianas

HONOLULU — Super Typhoon Yutu was crossing over the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands producing damaging winds, flooding and high surf.

Maximum sustained winds of 180 mph were recorded around the eye of the storm, which passed over Tinian and Saipan early Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

On Wednesday night, the National Weather Service in Guam issued dire warnings of possible destruction of homes and other buildings.

The update warned of flying debris, falling glass from blown-out windows, electricity and water outages for days or weeks after the storm passes and fallen trees isolating residents.

A super typhoon is the equivalent of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane. The Northern Marianas are about 3,800 miles west of Hawaii.