‘Chedeng’ intensifies slightly, continues northwest path

Typhoon "Chedeng" (Songda) intensified slightly as it continued moving northwest Thursday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. In its 5 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said "Chedeng" was 260 km north-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or at 300 km east-southeast of Casiguran, Aurora as of 4 p.m. "Chedeng" packed maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph, and was moving northwest at 19 kph. By Friday afternoon it is expected to be 320 km north-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 200 km east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. On Saturday afternoon it is expected to be 590 km northeast of Basco, Batanes or 190 km southwest of Okinawa, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency's 5:40 p.m. update indicated "Chedeng" may move toward Japan between late Friday and early Saturday.

It also indicated "Chedeng" will be "very intense" on Friday, and "very strong" on Saturday and "strong" on Sunday. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon provinces, Polilo Island, Isabela and Cagayan. PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be on alert against possible flashfloods and landslides. It added those living in coastal areas should be alert against big waves or storm surges. Also, it said “Chedeng" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao. — KBK, GMA News