296 km/h: Super Typhoon Champi is now the strongest storm on Earth in 2026

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Super Typhoon Champi Hits 296 km/h as Earth's Strongest 2026 Storm

   Super Typhoon Champi is actively churning across the Pacific as the most powerful storm on Earth in 2026, reaching peak winds of 296 km/h, which is the equivalent of a Category 5 storm. Satellite graphics display a giant eye as the violent weather system barrels toward Taiwan and mainland China, threatening heavy rain, damaging winds, and coastal inundation. The storm previously slammed Guam after rapidly intensifying into a violent typhoon, leaving life-threatening conditions in its wake.

   Why it matters

   The storm poses a severe threat to coastal regions in East Asia as it tracks across the western Pacific following its destructive pass over Guam. Japan is also bracing for the system as it approaches south of Okinawa Prefecture, marking the 30th named storm for Japan this year.

   What is confirmed

   • Super Typhoon Champi reached peak winds of 296 km/h, making it the most powerful storm on Earth in 2026 so far.
   • The storm is the equivalent of a Category 5 storm.
   • Champi slammed Guam after rapidly intensifying into a violent typhoon, bringing life-threatening conditions.
   • Japan is bracing for the storm as it heads for Okinawa and may approach south of Okinawa Prefecture.
   • Japan is facing its 30th named storm this year.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A sea warning is expected for the typhoon in Taiwan.
   • The storm is on a direct path to impact mainland China and Taiwan within days.

   What to watch next

   • Landfall or direct impact on Taiwan and mainland China
   • Okinawa Prefecture approach and weather impacts on Thursday
   • Issuance of official sea warnings in areas along the projected track
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The Japan News — Typhoon Champi May Approach South of Okinawa Pref. in Japan on Thursday
   2. FOX Weather — Super Typhoon Champi churns across Pacific as another tropical threat begins to take shape
   3. Surfline — Severe Typhoon Champi Takes Aim On Taiwan
   4. The Weather Network — 296 km/h: Super Typhoon Champi is now the strongest storm on Earth in 2026
   5. SURFER Magazine — Watch: Insane Satellite Graphics Reveal Super Typhoon Champi’s Giant Eye
   6. Taipei Times — Sea warning expected for typhoon
   7. Bloomberg.com — Super Typhoon Champi on Path to Impact China, Taiwan Within Days
   8. South China Morning Post — Strongest storm of the year barrels towards Taiwan and mainland China
   9. The Japan Times — Japan braces for 30th named storm this year as Typhoon Champi heads for Okinawa
   10. FOX Weather — Champi slams Guam after rapidly intensifying into violent typhoon, bringing life-threatening conditions
   11. www.theweathernetwork.com — 296 km/h: Super Typhoon Champi is now the strongest storm on ...
   12. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Typhoon Champi path: Super storm is the most powerful storm ...
   confidence 95%