'Strongest to hit PH this year': Mangkhut intensifies further as it nears PAR
MANILA - (UPDATED) Typhoon Mangkhut continues to gain strength as it approaches the Philippine area of responsibility, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.
In its 11:00 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Mangkhut has intensified further, packing 205 kph winds and gusts of up to 255 kph.
"Ito na ang so far ang pinakamalakas na bagyo na dumadaan sa ating bansa ngayong taon. Sikapin po natin na ito ay paghandaan nang mabuti," said Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum in a press conference.
(This is by far the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year. Let us prepare for this.)
PAGASA said the typhoon, which was last spotted 1,190 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, is expected to enter PAR Wednesday afternoon. It will be named Ompong once it enters PAR.
Senior weather specialist Chris Perez warned of "very strong winds" and 6-meter high storm surges in coastal areas in the path of the typhoon, particularly in Cagayan and Isabela, by Friday and Saturday.
He said the state weather bureau may begin raising cyclone warning signals over the affected areas on Wednesday afternoon.