Typhoon Dodong weakens, out of PAR by Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Dodong (international codename Noul) weakened as it moved towards Balintang channel.

It packed maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 195 km/h, state weather bureau PAGASA said in its 11 pm update on Sunday, May 10.

PAGASA lowered some storm warning signals. From signal number 4 as of 5 pm Sunday, Northern Cagayan including Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands and Batanes are now under storm signal 3. The rest of Cagayan and Apayao is under storm signal 2, down from signal number 3 earlier. 

Under storm signal 1 are: 

• Ilocos Norte
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Northern Isabela.

PAGASA warned against storm surges of up to 1.5 meters over Gonzaga, Cagayan.

“Fisherfolk are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon,” read the PAGASA bulletin.

“[People are] advised to refrain from outdoor activities particularly along beaches of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands tonight and tomorrow (May 10-11).”

Rain is expected to be heavy to intense within 100 kilometers of the typhoon, added PAGASA.

Dodong is expected to be out of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday morning, May 12.

The weather bureau estimated the typhoon to be at 100 km Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan (19.0°N, 122.3°E) as of 10 pm on Sunday.

PAGASA forecasted the typhoon to move north at 16 km/h, which will place it at 40 km North Northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.3°N, 123.2°E) by Monday, May 11, evening. – Rappler.com