Typhoon ‘Dodong’ maintains strength as it exits PH

MANILA, Philippines–Typhoon “Dodong” (international name: Noul) maintained its strength as it moved toward the Batanes group of islands on Monday.

Public storm warning signal No. 3 was raised over Batanes, Babuyan and Calayan group of islands as of 5a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Dodong packed maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 195 kph.

It was moving northward at 19 kph.

The typhoon was last spotted 185 kilometers north of Aparri, Cagayan, or 50 kilometers south of Basco, Batanes.

Signal No. 2 was raised over northern Cagayan, while Signal 1 was raised in the rest of Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

The typhoon is seen to bring heavy to intense rains within the 100 kilometer diameter of the typhoon.

Dodong is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday morning, Pagasa said.

Storm surges of up to 1.5 meters are also possible over Gonzaga, Cagayan.

Pagasa warned fishermen not to venture on the eastern seaboard of Luzon while those along the beaches of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan Group are also advised to refrain from outdoor activities.