Satellite image of Tropical Depression Dodong from Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Dodong may reach the tropical storm category when it goes outside the Philippine landmass on Saturday, the state weather bureau reported on Friday.
However, it will remain a tropical depression throughout its crossing of Northern Luzon.
“Dodong will remain as a tropical depression during the remainder of its traverse of mainland Northern Luzon,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 2:00 p.m. report.
“It may reach tropical storm category by tomorrow afternoon or evening while over the West Philippine Sea,” it noted.
Dodong’s center was last spotted near Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.
It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) with gustiness of up to 75 kph.
The tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility this weekend.
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