Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) decelerated while moving towards Kalayaan Islands early Saturday morning, Dec. 18, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in the 2 a.m. bulletin.
As of 1 a.m., the center of the eye of typhoon "Odette" was located 155 kilometers (km) northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The typhoon moved west-northwest and decelerated from 20 kilometers per hour (kph) to 15 kph.
However, it maintained its strength with 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 this morning or afternoon (Dec. 18). Odette is forecast to pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands today (Dec. 18)," PAGASA said.
PAGASA in its latest bulletin said that tropical cyclone wind signal number 3 remains hoisted over the central portion of Palawan including Kalayaan Islands.
Signal No. 2 is still in effect in the northern and southern portions of Palawan 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," PAGASA 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.