The storm is expected to continue toward China after crossing over Taiwan. Authorities in the Chinese city of Shantou in Guangdong province are advising residents to take precautions.
The giant storm formed over abnormally warm water in the Pacific. And sea level rise makes storm surge even more dangerous to residents of Guam and the Mariana Islands.
A powerful typhoon shifted and abruptly gained strength Sunday as it blew closer to the northeastern Philippines, prompting evacuations from high-risk villages and the capital.