- Typhoon Sinlaku is a powerful tropical cyclone currently threatening the Mariana Islands. It is the first tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere to form in April since Sanvu in 2023, and the most intense since Typhoon Surigae in 2021.[citation needed] The fourth named storm, first typhoon, and first super typhoon of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season, Sinlaku originated from a disturbance first identified by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) west-southwest of Chuuk on April 8. The system gradually organized and was upgraded to a tropical storm by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) early on April 10, before intensifying into a typhoon later that day as it moved steadily north westward. Highly favorable conditions enabled rapid intensification on April 11, during which a well-defined eye developed, and Sinlaku reached super typhoon status the following day.