The category 5 storm is expected to strengthen further, with sustained wind speeds of 150 knots, or 277.8 km/h, later on Tuesday, US space agency NASA said.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre is predicting wind speeds could reach 160 knots, with gusts reaching 195 knots, or 361 km/h.
“It's not the most intense ever, but it is intense,” Kevin Walsh, an associate professor of the School of Earth Sciences at Melbourne University, said.
A typhoon gains “super” status once sustained winds reach 130 knots, he said.