MANILA – Weather disturbance "Odette" (international name Rai) has intensified into a typhoon, as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted over Surigao provinces.
Odette now packs 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 150 kms. per hour. It was last tracked 590 kms. east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Nikos Peñaranda of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said TCWS No. 2 has been raised over the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
"Expect strong winds in these areas," he said.
TCWS No. 1 is raised over Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao Island, and the southern portion of Romblon (Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Magdiwang, Alcantara, Looc, Santa Fe, San Jose), Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras.
Also under TCWS No. 1 are Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, the rest of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, the northern portion of Bukidnon (Malitbog, Impasug-Ong, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Libona, Baungon), Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, the northern portion of Misamis Occidental (Plaridel, Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga), and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Dapitan City, Sibutad, Rizal, La Libertad, Dipolog City).
Moderate to high seas will continue to prevail over the seaboards of areas where TCWS is in effect. PAGASA advises mariners to remain in port or take shelter in port until winds and waves subside.
Gale warning remains in effect for the seaboards of northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of central Luzon, eastern and western seaboards of southern Luzon, western seaboard of the Visayas, and eastern seaboard of Mindanao not under any TCWS.
Further, moderate to rough seas will continue to prevail over the remaining seaboards of central Luzon, southern Luzon, and the western and northern seaboards of Mindanao not under any wind signal.
Meanwhile, light to moderate, with at times heavy rains are forecast over Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Southern Leyte.
"Flooding and landslides are possible in these areas," Peñaranda said.
“Odette” is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas on Thursday. (PNA)
