GRACE GARCES BORDALLO
Associated Press

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — A typhoon carrying strong winds and heavy rains has passed over the Mariana Islands.

National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Ziobro says it appears the eye of the storm passed about 5 miles north of the small island of Rota around 2:45 a.m. Monday.

He says the eye wall, which packs the strongest winds, probably passed over the island. Rota is home to about 2,500 people.

The typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and is expected to intensify.

Ziobro says Rota and Guam are experiencing heavy rains associated with Typhoon Vongfong, and there were sporadic power outages reported on Guam.

He says localized flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage.

The Government of Guam and many businesses are expected to be closed Monday, and most flights were canceled.

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