Possible 'super typhoon' moves closer to PAR; may make landfall on Tuesday

A powerful typhoon maintained its strength as it moved closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility Sunday afternoon, state weather forecasters said. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the typhoon, internationally codenamed Bopha, was estimated at 970 km southeast of Hinatuan City as of 4 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph and gustiness of up to 220 kph. It is forecast to move west-northwest at 22 kph, it added. Earlier, the weather bureau had said that Bopha is due to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility around 8 p.m. Sunday. Once it does, it will be locally codenamed Pablo. "Inaashaan natin ang bagyong Bopha papasok between 7 and 8 p.m.," PAGASA forecaster Connie Dadivas said in an interview on dzBB radio. She added that it may make landfall in Northern Mindanao or Eastern Visayas by Tuesday afternoon. She said the typhoon may hit Northern or Northeast Mindanao, Central and Western Visayas, and Palawan, before exiting through the West Philippine Sea. Weather conditions "Mindanao will have cloudy skies with occasional light to moderate rain showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with occasional light rain," PAGASA said. Visayas will have partly cloudy skies with isolated brief rain showers or thunderstorms, it added. PAGASA also said moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas, and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas. Super typhoon? The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center's 5 p.m. update described Bopha as a "super typhoon," having winds of 135 knots (250.02 kph) and gustiness of 165 knots (305.58 kph). The Japan Meteorological Agency's 2:45 p.m. update described the typhoon as "very strong" and moving west at 30 kph. It said the typhoon had winds of 100 knots (185.2 kph) and gustiness of 140 knots (259.28 kph). Coast Guard on alert The Philippine Coast Guard advised operators of small vessels and fishing boats to avoid the southeastern and eastern sections of the country as a powerful typhoon moved closer to the Philippines Sunday afternoon. In a news release posted on its website, the Coast Guard also placed under heightened alert its units in areas where the typhoon, internationally codenamed Bopha, is to directly hit. "Operators of small vessels, motor bancas and fishing boats are advised to avoid sailing the southeastern and eastern section of the country where sea condition is rough," it said on its website. PCG officer-in-charge Rear Admiral Luis Tuason Jr. also directed all district commanders in the areas affected to coordinate with Regional Disaster Risk and Management Councils for rescue and assistance. On the other hand, Tuason reminded boat operators with open decks and fishermen in areas not directly affected by the typhoon to exercise extra diligence and wear safety gear in sailing. He pointed out sea conditions in areas not expected to be directly affected by the typhoon may still be rough.   Tuason likewise stressed shipping vessels will not be allowed to travel in areas under public storm signals. Red Cross readies units Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross instructed its chapters in areas likely to be affected to be on alert. It said the typhoon is likely to strike in Surigao, Lianga, Bislig, San Juan, Davao, Mati, Oras, Tacloban, Iloilo, Cebu, Dumaguete, Dipolog, Sorsogon, Mamburao and Taytay. "Chapters in Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao are advised to be alert, monitor and carry out necessary actions on the possible effects of the incoming weather disturbance," it said. — BM, GMA News