Typhoon “Dodong” (international name: Noul) maintained its strength midday Friday as it continued to move west northwest, the state weather bureau said.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Dodong was moving at 17 kilometers per hour (kph) west northwest.
In a press briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Esperanza Cayanan, weather division head of Pagasa, said Dodong may make landfall on Sunday in the Isabela-Aurora area at 9 to 10 a.m. if the typhoon keeps its track.
Dodong will pass close to provinces in Bicol and Samar on Saturday morning and will be closest to Metro Manila by late Saturday to early Sunday.
Cayanan, however, said it would still be too far from Metro Manila as it would be 250 kilometers northeast.
However, rains may still be experienced.
Signal No. 1 is still raised in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Polillo Island, and Northern Samar.
Dodong was last observed 480 kilometers east northeast of Borongan Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph.
Pagasa said storm signal No. 1 may also be raised in the provinces of Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Rizal, Quezon, and Nueva Ecija at 5 p.m. Friday.
Heavy to intense rains are forecast within the 300-kilometer diameter of the typhoon.
Dodong is seen to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday. IDL
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