Typhoon Dodong unlikely to turn into super typhoon

While it is expected to bring heavy rains across Luzon over the weekend, Typhoon Dodong (Noul) is unlikely to intensify into a super typhoon.

In his report on Balitanghali on Friday, GMA News resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz said it is possible for Dodong to gain strength, but it will not be enough to turn it into a super typhoon, which carries minimum sustained winds of 220 kph.

“Posible pang lumakas, pero mukhang hindi na aabot sa kategoryang super typhoon... Dito sa tinitingnan nating [wind] intensity forecast ay mukhang 150 to 160 km per hour 'yan,” he said.

In its 11 a.m. update on Friday, weather agency PAGASA said Dodong has maintained its strength and direction, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph as it moves west-northwest at 17 kph.

Despite the unlikelihood of Dodong becoming a super typhoon, Mang Tani still advised the public to think of safety first, especially to those making plans for their weekend, since it is bound to be a strong storm that will bring rains and winds nearly to the whole Luzon.

“Dito sa ating rainfall forecast map, magsisimula 'yung mga pag-ulan dito sa Bicol region bukas ng umaga. Hindi lang basta ulan, kundi malakas na pag-ulan 'yan. Araw ng Linggo, bago tumama ang bagyo dito sa may Aurora-Isabela area... [may] pag-ulan na halos tatama at mararamdaman sa buong Luzon hanggang sa MIMAROPA,” he said.

“Kaya doon po sa mga may balak mamasyal ngayong weekend, isipin muna ang inyong kaligtasan, dahil maulan halos sa buong Luzon, lalong lalo na sa North at Central Luzon,” he added.

Seven areas in Luzon and Eastern Visayas still remained under Storm Signal No. 1, where waves may reach up to four meters. Included here are:

* Catanduanes
* Camarines Norte
* Camarines Sur
* Albay
* Sorsogon
* Polilio Island
* Northern Samar.

PAGASA also indicated the possibility of Signal No. 1 being raised over the following areas by 5 p.m. Friday:

* Isabela
* Quirino
* Aurora
* Rizal
* Quezon
* Nueva Ecija.

–Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News