Typhoon Champi peaks as super typhoon, knocks out power across Guam

Typhoon Champi passed just south of Merizo, Guam, early on October 18, 2026, then briefly intensified into a super typhoon. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated peak sustained winds of 269 km/h before the storm weakened, and Guam officials reported widespread electricity and water service disruptions. By mid-morning, roughly half of the island's power-distribution feeders and circuits were online.

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Champi's center tracked roughly 16 km south of Merizo early on October 18, then strengthened to super typhoon status. JTWC later set its 00:00 UTC peak at 269 km/h, but the storm fell to 222 km/h by 12:00 UTC as a second eyewall formed and drier air entered.

On Guam, about three-quarters of the island retained power soon after closest approach, but that share dropped to roughly half as winds shifted. By 09:00 ChST, roughly 51% of the grid's feeders and circuits had service. The Ugum treatment plant shut after river turbidity rose, and some Pago Bay, Malesso' and Latte Heights areas had low or no water.

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