MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon “Chedeng” (international name: Songda) has gained strength and is moving towards Japan, the state-run weather bureau said.
In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Chedeng was seen 250 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City and is now packing maximum sustained winds of up to 195 kph near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph.
Chedeng is expected to move north northwestward at 19 kph, Pagasa said.
Signal number 2 was hoisted over the Batanes group of Islands while signal number 1 remains over Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Northern Quezon including Polilo Island and the Calayan and Babuyan groups of islands.
“Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signals #2 and #1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone,” Pagasa said.
Chedeng is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Southern Luzon including Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao.
Batanes will experience stormy weather while the eastern sections northern and central Luzon will have rains and gusty winds while rest of the country will experience monsoon rains, the state-run weather bureau said.
By Saturday morning, Chedeng is expected to be at 190 km northeast of Basco, Batanes and on Sunday morning at 610 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes or 170 km southwest of Okinawa, Japan, Pagasa said.