By Pearl Gumapos
Tropical cyclone Odette has undergone rapid intensification as it continues to approach the vicinity of Dinagat Islands and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands on Thursday (Dec. 16), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 8:00 a.m. weather bulletin.
The center of the eye of Typhoon Odette is 265 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
Typhoon Odette will continue moving generally westward over the Philippine Sea and the center of its eye is forecast to make its initial landfall in the vicinity of Dinagat Islands, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, or the northern portion of Surigao del Sur this noon or early afternoon.
There will be maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gustiness of up to 205 kph, and a central pressure of 950 hectopascals (hPa).
The typhoon is forecast to continue intensifying until it makes landfall this afternoon, PAGASA said.
It may also see some slight weakening as it crosses northeastern Mindanao, Visayas, and Palawan, but it is forecast to remain as a typhoon.
According to PAGASA, re-intensification is likely once Odette emerges over the West Philippine Sea. – jlo
