Severe tropical storm "Odette" (international name: "Rai") has intensified into typhoon on Wednesday, Dec. 15, as tropical cyclone wind signal number 2 was hoisted in some areas.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 2 over the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte (Claver, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands) and Surigao del Sur. Strong winds are expected in these areas within 24 hours.
Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao Island, and the southern portion of Romblon (Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Magdiwang, Alcantara, Looc, Santa Fe, San Jose), Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras,
Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, the rest of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, the northern portion of Bukidnon (Malitbog, Impasug-Ong, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Libona, Baungon), Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, the northern portion of Misamis Occidental (Plaridel, Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga), and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Dapitan City, Sibutad, Rizal, La Libertad, Dipolog City).
Scattered to widespread flooding as well as flash floods and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in these areas.
According to PAGASA, Odette intensified into a typhoon at 8 a.m. The state weather bureau said that Odette is expected to intensify further on Wednesday through the next day as it crosses the Philippine Sea and may reach a peak intensity of 155 kilometers per hour (km/h) prior to making landfall by afternoon the following day.
"This tropical cyclone may see some slight weakening as it crosses the Visayas and Palawan, but it is forecast to remain within the typhoon category. Re-intensification is likely once “Odette” emerges over the West Philippine Sea," PAGASA said.
Odette is expected to move west northwestward within the day. PAGASA said that based on the forecast track, the center of this tropical cyclone is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas in the afternoon or Thursday, Dec. 16. Odette will then continue moving generally westward and cross several provinces in Central and Western Visayas regions before emerging over the Sulu Sea on Friday morning or afternoon.
After passing near or over the Cuyo archipelago, this tropical cyclone is expected to cross the northern portion of Palawan on Friday evening before emerging over the West Philippine Sea
PAGASA last observed the center of Odette 590 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h and is moving westward at 20 km/h.
PAGASA said that minimal to moderate risk of storm surge reaching up to 2.0 m in height may occur in the next 48 hours. Rising sea water along with the high waves from the shoreline moving inland may cause flooding in the low-lying coastal localities of Visayas, southern portion of Masbate, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental.
In the next 24 hours, PAGASA said that moderate to high seas (1.2 to 7.5 m) will be experienced over the seaboards of areas where storm warning signals are in effect. It added that these conditions are risky for all types of sea vessels and advised mariners to remain in port or take shelter in port until winds and waves subside.
Due to Typhoon Odette and the prevailing northeast monsoon, PAGASA said that a gale warning remains in effect for the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, the eastern and western seaboards of Southern Luzon, the western seaboard of Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao not under any wind signal.
PAGASA advised persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.