Saudel (international name) has reached the near-Super Typhoon category as it is bound to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday afternoon, according to the state weather bureau.
“This tropical cyclone is currently at near-Super Typhoon category and further intensification into a Super Typhoon prior to entry or while within PAR is not ruled out,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. storm advisory.
The typhoon has maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 215 kph.
PAGASA said Saudel is likely to enter the northeastern boundary of PAR by Monday afternoon and will be given the local name Obet. It is the country’s 15th tropical cyclone this year.
Its center was located 1,480 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon.
Typhoon Saudel is expected to be short-lived, as it will likely exit PAR by Monday evening or early Tuesday morning. PAGASA said it is less likely to directly affect the country’s weather and sea conditions over the next three days.
It is also likely to weaken after reaching its peak intensity. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
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