Super Typhoon Yutu makes strongest ever direct hit on Saipan and Tinian

[OvB]

https://twitter.com/DanLindsey77/status/1055116496198873089

https://twitter.com/CIMSS_Satellite/status/1055089849252921344

https://weather.com/storms/typhoon/news/2018-10-24-super-typhoon-yutu-mariana-islands-guam-western-pacific

According to the 2017 United States Census, Saipan's population was 52,263.
The population of Tinian was 3,136 (as of 2010)

These islands are part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Which are United States Territories.

[OvB]

I don't know if this is reflected in the OP but this is the strongest cyclone of the year to hit the US. No media coverage because it's not the mainland US.

[MrWasabi]

It's super unfortunate, been to Saipan many times, voulenteered at the local high school to do groundskeeping because they don't have funding to hire grounds keepers to keep the foliage in check (they have equipment but teachers normally have to do the work).

Such beautiful island, but also a horribly underfunded US territory. Most Americans know Saipan is apart of the US, it's unlikely they'll get much aid in recovery and even worse is the majority of their economy relies on Japanese tourism (and other SEA tourists) which will stop once this typhoon destroys most tourism hotspots and attractions on the island.