Super Typhoon Sinlaku, described as the strongest tropical system of the year, intensified rapidly on Sunday while over the Pacific Ocean.

According to GDACS, the system is moving towards Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with forecast conditions indicating damaging winds and storm surge affecting the islands.

The centre of Sinlaku was located approximately 455 kilometres south-east of Guam. The storm is forecast to pass between the islands of Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands on 14 April.

During this period, maximum sustained winds are expected to reach up to 231 km/h, with the system described as a Category 4 hurricane at that stage of its progression.

Authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands have taken preventive action in response to the forecast conditions.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), seven shelters were in operation across the islands as of 13 April as part of preparedness measures.

Weather forecasts indicate that very heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surges are expected across most of the Northern Mariana Islands over the next six days. For Guam, heavy rainfall is forecast over the next four days as Sinlaku continues its approach through the region.