A cyclone becomes a super typhoon when maximum sustained winds reach 150 mph. The last such pre-April super typhoon was Mitag in March 2002. Reports indicate Maysak will be weaker by the time it reaches the Philippines but people in the storm’s path are still being cautioned.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have been observing the super typhoon from space, capturing photos of the intimidating storm including the giant 15 nautical-mile wide eye.