Super Typhoon Hailong has intensified to Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 180 mph as it tracks toward the Philippines and Taiwan, threatening catastrophic damage to both nations.

Forecast

Hailong is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines on Friday before potentially striking southern Taiwan on Sunday. Storm surge of 20-25 feet is forecast for coastal areas.

Preparations

Both countries have begun mass evacuations of coastal communities. The Philippines military has pre-positioned search and rescue teams, while Taiwan has suspended all flights to southern airports.