Typhoon "Odette" (international name: "Rai") has maintained its strength while moving towards the Kalayaan Islands on Friday evening, Dec. 17, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 11 p.m. bulletin.
As of 10 p.m., the center of the eye of typhoon Odette was located 105 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
It was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) while packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
"While over the West Philippine Sea, the typhoon is forecast to move west-northwestward and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow morning or early afternoon (Dec. 18). Odette is forecast to pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands tomorrow," PAGASA said.
PAGASA in its latest bulletin said that tropical cyclone wind signal number 3 remains hoisted over the northern portion of Palawan, particularly in El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente, and Puerto Princesa City, including Kalayaan Islands.
Signal No. 2 is still in effect in the central portion of Palawan, particularly Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Sofronio Española, Brooke's Point, Rizal, Dumaran, Araceli, and Roxas, including Calamian Islands, while Signal No. 1 remains raised over the rest of Palawan including Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands.
PAGASA warned of heavy to torrential rains over Kalayaan Islands, while moderate to heavy rains may prevail over mainland Palawan, Calamian Islands, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Aurora.
"Under these conditions, scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps, and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall," it said.
"Re-intensification is likely as Odette moves over the West Philippine Sea. However, continuous weakening may ensue beginning Sunday (Dec. 19) as the typhoon becomes exposed to increasing vertical wind shear and the surge of the northeast monsoon," it added.