Typhoon Saudel maintains strength over PH Sea, nears Super Typhoon category

Typhoon Saudel maintained its strength as it moved west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon, PAGASA said Monday in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

As of 10 a.m., Saudel was located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), 1,480 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph and gusts of up to 215 kph.

PAGASA said the center of Saudel was forecast to enter the northeastern boundary of PAR Monday afternoon.

The typhoon is now nearing Super Typhoon category and will be given the local name Obet once it enters PAR.

“This tropical cyclone is less likely to directly affect the weather and sea conditions in the country in the next three days,” the state weather bureau said.

Saudel is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea and exit PAR Monday night or early Tuesday morning, August 25, PAGASA said.— MCG, GMA News