Screengrab from Japan Meteorological Agency
Typhoon “Mangkhut” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday afternoon and shall now be called “Ompong,” the state weather bureau said.
“As of 3 p.m., pumasok na sa PAR ang TY Ompong,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) posted on Facebook.
Ompong will be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Usec. Ricardo Solidum said.
Pagasa said Ompong packs winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 255 kph,
It was last spotted 1,165 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, moving westward at 20 kph.
Pagasa forecaster Gener Quitlong said Ompong may reach the super typhoon status by Thursday. /kga
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