Exiting ‘Dodong’ now harmless; all storm signals lifted

MANILA, Philippines–Typhoon “Dodong” (international name: Noul) has further weakened and is now downgraded to a severe tropical storm, the state weather bureau said in its 11 p.m. bulletin on Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said all public storm warning signals have been lifted, but fishermen are still advised not to venture out over the northern seaboard of northern Luzon.

Dodong continues to move in a northeast direction at a faster speed of 35 kilometers per hour from 30 kph. Its center was located 440 kilometers north northeast of Basco, Batanes.

Pagasa said the storm packed maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 140 kph.

Dodong is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility early Tuesday morning.

The typhoon pummeled northern Luzon and left at least two persons dead. It also forced thousands to evacuate from their homes.–Rick Alberto