An extremely powerful typhoon has formed between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Typhoon Sinlaku is heading towards the Mariana Islands in the coming hours – with wind gusts of over 185 miles per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surges.

The highest alert level has already been declared for the archipelago, which is part of the United States. The islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are particularly affected, as is Guam, the most densely populated island.

On the remote islands, flights have been cancelled and schools closed. The public are urged to avoid the coast and to leave their homes only in an emergency.