Tropical cyclone wind signal number 3 remains hoisted over Kalayaan Islands as typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) moved closer to the islands early Saturday morning, Dec. 18, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in the 5 a.m. bulletin.

As of 4 a.m., the center of the eye of Odette was estimated at 240 kilometers west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It still has maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (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 this morning or afternoon, Dec. 18. Odette is forecast to pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands today (Dec. 18)," PAGASA said.

As it remains under Signal No. 3, Kalayaan Islands may experience destructive typhoon-force winds during the passage of typhoon Odette.

The central portion of Palawan remained under Signal No. 2, while the rest of mainland Palawan including the Calamian Islands were under Signal No. 1.

"Damaging winds reaching gale- to storm-force strength will be experienced within any of the areas where TCWS #2 is in effect," while "strong winds with higher gusts will be experienced within any of the areas where TCWS #1 is currently in effect during the passage of the typhoon," PAGASA said.

PAGASA also warned of heavy to torrential rains over Kalayaan Islands and moderate to heavy rains over mainland Palawan, Aurora, and the northern portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains may also prevail over Bicol region, Northern Samar, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, and the rest of Quezon.

"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," PAGASA said.

Odette may re-intensify as it moves over the West Philippine Sea Saturday.

"However, the eventual exposure of the typhoon to increasing vertical wind shear and the surge of the northeast monsoon will result in a weakening trend beginning tomorrow (Dec. 19)," PAGASA said.