Typhoon Dodong maintains strength; landfall expected Sunday

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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Typhoon Dodong (Noul) maintains strength and is packing winds of 160 km/h with a gustiness up to 195 km/h, according to state weather bureau PAGASA. 

As of 10 pm May 8, the typhoon was located 390 kilometers east of Virac Catanduanes and 415 kilometers east of Sorsogon City. 

The typhoon is moving west northwest at 22 km/h, with heavy to intense rainfall estimated within its 300-km diameter.

Catanduanes is still under Public Storm Warning number 2. The province can expect winds of 61 km/h to 120 km/h in the next 24 hours.


Image courtesy of PAGASA

As of 11 pm, May 8, these provinces were placed under storm signal number 1: 

Sorsogon
Albay
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Quezon
Polillo Island
Aurora
Quirino
Isabela
Northern Samar
Eastern Samar

Signal number 1 is expected to be raised over Cagayan, Mountain Province, Benguet, Apayao, and the islands of Calayan and Babuyan.

According to PAGASA, there is a possibility for Dodong to develop into a super typhoon because of its pattern of intensifying.

Independent weather monitoring group Weather Philippines said in its 6:30 pm update that the typhoon would pass through Catanduanes by Saturday, May 9, in the afternoon. 

They also said that the potential landfall area will likely be somewhere on the eastern shores of Isabela or Cagayan by Sunday, May 10.

The Japan Meteorological Agency classifies Dodong as a “strong” typhoon.

PAGASA advises that the disaster risk reduction and management council take the appropriate actions in preparation for the typhoon. The next bulletin will be issued at 5 am on May 9.  – Rappler.com