Storm signals 4 and 3 up over 3 areas

pagasa.dost.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon “Odette” (international name Usagi) neared supertyphoon level as it gained more strength midday Friday and moved closer towards extreme Northern Luzon.

The typhoon now packed maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 240 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Signal No. 4 was raised in Batanes Group of Islands.

Other areas under storm signals were the following:

Signal No. 3 Calayan Group of Islands Babuyan Group of Islands

Signal No. 2 Cagayan Apayao Ilocos Norte

Signal No. 1 Abra Kalinga Isabela Northern Aurora Quirino Nueva Vizcaya Benguet La Union Ilocos Sur Mt. Province Ifugao

Areas under storm signals were warned of flashfloods, landslides and storm surges.

“Odette” was last observed 350 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. It also moved faster at 19 kph northwest.

Heavy to intense rains were seen within its 900 kilometer-diameter. It will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.

Pagasa warned of risky sea travel over the western seaboard of Southern Luzon and over the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon and of Visayas.

 Originally posted: 6:56 am | Friday, September 20th, 2013