Approaching cyclone Soulik intensifies into typhoon

Tropical cyclone Soulik intensified into a typhoon as it continued to move closer to northern Philippines Tuesday morning, state weather forecasters said.

 

But PAGASA forecaster Vic Manalo said Soulik, which may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Wednesday, is still not likely to directly affect the country.

 

"Walang direktang epekto sa atin (pero) maaaring palakasin ang habagat na maaaring magbigay ng pag-ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng bansa," Manalo said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said that as of 10 a.m., Soulik was estimated at 1,680 km east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph. Soulik maintained its speed and direction, moving west at 20 kph.

 

Manalo said their models show Soulik may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility Wednesday morning and leave before dawn Saturday.

 

The Japan Meteorological Agency described Soulik as a typhoon.  

 

PAGASA said a typhoon has a maximum wind speed exceeding 118 kph.

 

Soulik may head for taiwan

 

PAGASA's 11 a.m. advisory said Soulik may exit early Saturday morning via the Philippine Area of Responsibility's northern boundary north of Taiwan.

 

"Typhoon SOULIK will not have any direct effect on any part of the country today and tomorrow. However, SOULIK will enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains on the western part of the country starting Thursday afternoon," it added. — RSJ, GMA News