Odette slows down while moving towards Kalayaan islands, Signal No. 3 over 1 area

Typhoon Odette slows down while moving in the west northwest direction towards the Kalayaan islands, according to the 2 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA.

As of 1 a.m., the center of the eye of Typhoon Odette was located  at 155 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 185 kph, central pressure of 965 hPa, and moving in the west northwest direction at a speed of 15 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is hoisted over the following areas:

• the central portion of Palawan (Puerto Princesa City, San Vicente) including Kalayaan Islands

TCWS No. 2 is raised over the following areas:

• the northern and southern portions of Palawan (Roxas, Dumaran, Araceli, El Nido, Taytay, Rizal, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Sofronio Española, Narra, Aborlan) including Calamian Islands

TCWS No. 1 is raised over the following areas:

• the rest of Palawan including Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals hoisted in areas that are no longer listed herein are hereby lifted.

HEAVY RAINFALL

On Saturday, heavy to torrential rains will be experienced over Kalayaan Islands.

Moderate to heavy rains over mainland Palawan, Calamian Islands, Quezon, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, and Aurora.

Under these conditions, scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in highly susceptible areas.

COASTAL INUNDATION

There is still a moderate to high risk of storm surge which may result in life-threatening coastal flooding in low lying areas under areas under tropical cyclone signals.

In the next 24 hours, rough to very high seas will be experienced over the seaboards of areas under TCWS No. 3, rough to very rough seas for the seaboards of areas under TCWS No. 2 and No. 1.

Sea conditions are risky for all types of sea vessels. Mariners are advised to remain in port or take shelter in port until winds and waves subside.

Under the influence of Typhoon Odette and the prevailing Northeast Monsoon, a Gale Warning remains in effect for several coastal waters not under any wind signal, specifically the seaboards of Northern Luzon, and the eastern and western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK

While over the West Philippine sea, the typhoon is forecast to move west northwestward and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.

Odette is forecast to pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands today and re-intensify as it moves over the West Philippine Sea.

The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. -- BAP, GMA News