(CNN Philippines) — Six provinces have been placed under public storm warning Signal No. 1 as Typhoon Dodong (international name: Noul) maintains strength and approaches coastlines, less than 24 hours after entering the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday (May 7).
In its 5 a.m. update on Friday (May 8), The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said that the typhoon has slowed down as it continues to move in a west northwest direction, at an estimated speed of 17 kilometers per hour (kph).
The Luzon provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon were placed under Signal No.1, along with the Eastern Visayas province of Northern Samar. Pollilo Island in CALABARZON was also placed under the same category.
As of 6 a.m. on Friday, the storm was last spotted at 555 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar.
Dodong continues to pack maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center with its gustiness hurtling at 185 kph.
PAGASA expects the storm to make landfall somewhere in the Isabela-Aurora area on Mother’s Day — Sunday (May 10).
Dodong’s estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to intense within the 300 km diameter of the typhoon, although the weather bureau said that it is unlikely to develop into a super typhoon while in the country.
Based on PAGASA’s forecast, Typhoon Dodong is expected to slightly weaken as it makes landfall especially on the mountainous parts of Northern Luzon.
Once the typhoon continues to get near the landmass, however, Dodong’s outer rain cloud bands will bring rains over the Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region and some parts of Luzon — including Metro Manila — by weekend.
Storm path
PAGASA said Typhoon Dodong is expected to be at 365km east of Virac, Catanduanes by Saturday morning (May 9) and in the vicinity of Baler, Aurora the next day.
By Sunday afternoon, Dodong will likely hover at Aparri, Cagayan and at 140km north of Itbayat, Batanes by Monday afternoon (May 11).
Typhoon Dodong is expected to head towards Japan on Tuesday (May 12) as it finally exits Philippine territory.
