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'Odette' intensifies; parts of VisMin now under TCWS No. 2

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

December 15, 2021, 8:07 pm

<p><em>(Image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA)</em></p>

(Image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA)

MANILA – Typhoon Odette has further intensified while moving west northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said “Odette” was estimated at 485 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 130 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

Gale to storm-force winds will be experienced in the areas where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) No. 2 has been hoisted, it said.

Areas under TCWS No. 2 are southern portion of Eastern Samar (City of Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, Lawaan, Balangiga, Giporlos, Quinapondan, General Macarthur, Hernani, Salcedo, Mercedes, Guiuan), the southern portion of Samar (Basey, Marabut, Santa Rita), Southern Leyte, the central and southern portions of Leyte (Ormoc City, Jaro, Alangalang, Tacloban City, Palompon, Merida, Isabel, Palo, Santa Fe, Pastrana, Tanauan, Dagami, Tabontabon, Tolosa, Julita, Dulag, Burauen, Albuera, City of Baybay, La Paz, Mayorga, Macarthur, Javier, Abuyog, Mahaplag, Inopacan, Hindang, Hilongos, Bato, Matalom, Babatngon), Camotes Islands, and the eastern portion of Bohol (Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Sierra Bullones, Dagohoy, Talibon, Trinidad, San Miguel, Pilar, Duero, Guindulman, Anda, Candijay, Alicia, Mabini, Ubay, Bien Unido, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia).

Also under TCWS No. 2 are Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, the northeastern portion of Bukidnon (Impasug-Ong, Malitbog), the eastern portion of Misamis Oriental (Villanueva, Jasaan, Claveria, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay, Medina, Gingoog City, Magsaysay, Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinoguitan, Sugbongcogon, Binuangan), and Camiguin.

Strong winds will prevail in areas under TCWS No. 1 that include Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, the southern portion of Quezon (Guinayangan, Lopez, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, Buenavista, San Narciso, Mulanay, San Francisco, San Andres), Marinduque, Romblon, the central and southern portions of Oriental Mindoro (City of Calapan, Naujan, Victoria, Pola, Socorro, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, Bulalacao), the central and southern portions of Occidental Mindoro (Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal, San Jose, Magsaysay), and the northern portion of Palawan (Taytay, Dumaran, Araceli, El Nido, Calamian Islands, Cuyo Islands).

In the Visayas and Mindanao, the following are also under TCWS no. 1: Northern Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Samar, Biliran, the rest of Leyte, the rest of Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Aklan, northern portion of Davao Oriental (Boston, Cateel), the northern portion of Davao de Oro (Monkayo, Compostela, Montevista, Laak), the northern portion of Davao del Norte (San Isidro, Kapalong), the northwestern and central portions of Bukidnon (City of Malaybalay, Cabanglasan, San Fernando, City of Valencia, Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich), the rest of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, the northern portion of Lanao del Norte (Iligan City, Tagoloan, Pantar, Baloi, Matungao, Linamon, Kauswagan, Poona Piagapo, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Munai), the northern portion of Zamboanga del Sur (Dumingag, Mahayag, Molave, Josefina), the northwestern portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Jose Dalman, Manukan, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan, Sergio Osmeña Sr., Dipolog City, Polanco, Piñan, Mutia, Dapitan City, La Libertad, Rizal, Sibutad, Siayan, Sindangan, Bacungan, Salug, Godod, Liloy), and the northern portion of Lanao del Sur (Tagoloan II, Kapai, Bubong).

Moderate to high seas will continue to prevail over the seaboards of areas where TCWS are in effect. Mariners are advised to remain in port until winds and waves subside.

Because of “Odette” and the northeast monsoon, gale warning remains in effect for the seaboard of northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of central Luzon, eastern and western seaboards of southern Luzon, western seaboard of the Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao not under any TCWS.

Moderate to rough seas will still prevail over the remaining seaboards of central Luzon, southern Luzon, and western and northern seaboards of Mindanao that are not under any TCWS.

The weather bureau said light to moderate, with at times heavy rains are likely over Caraga, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte due to the trough and the outermost rain bands of “Odette.”

PAGASA said “Odette” may make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas on Thursday. The typhoon may reach a peak intensity of 155 kph prior to making landfall. (PNA)

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