Typhoon ‘Chedeng’ heads for China; ‘Dodong’ approaches

Tropical storm "Chedeng" (international code name Pabuk) has crossed the southern tip of Taiwan and continues to move westward towards southern mainland China. However, state weather forecasters and the weather site Typhoon2000 reported that a new tropical depression is forming and may be code-named 'Dodong." As of 4 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) said "Chedeng" was 250 kms north-northwest of Basco, Batanes or 70 kms west of South Taiwan. It continued to pack maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gustiness of 140 kph, and continued to move west at 22 kph. By Thursday morning, "Chedeng" was forecast to be 680 kms west-northwest of Basco, Batanes or 550 kms west of Southern Taiwan. By Friday morning, it was forecast to be 940 kms west-northwest of Basco, Batanes or 720 kms west of Southern Taiwan. Still under storm signal 1 were the Babuyan Islands in extreme Northern Luzon. Pag-asa reiterated its advice to residents in coastal areas under signal 1 against big waves generated by this storm. It also warned that an active low pressure was estimated at 430 kms east of Northern Luzon will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon. This will bring rains over Luzon and Visayas particularly at the western sections. "Those living in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides," Pag-asa said. - GMANews.TV