PAGASA warns of possible 4-meter high waves due to ‘Dodong’

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MANILA — Government has cautioned about sailing in waters off the eastern seaboard of areas already under public storm warning signal (PSWS) No. 1 due to typhoon “Dodong” (international name “Noul”), noting waves there can be as high as four meters.

State-run weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) identified the areas as Quezon province’s Polillo Island, Northern Samar province and Bicol Region’s Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon provinces.

“Moderate to rough sea condition is expected in those areas,” said PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong.

In its 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin released Friday (May 8), PAGASA said winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour can be expected there in at least 36 hours.

Such winds can slightly damage houses of very light materials and makeshift structures in exposed communities, noted PAGASA.

“Rice crops may suffer significant damage when in the flowering stage,” PAGASA also said.

PAGASA located “Dodong” at 480 kilometers east-northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar province.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 185 kph, the agency noted.

“Estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to intense within the typhoon’s 300-kilometer diameter,” PAGASA continued.

Government isn’t discounting the possibility of eventually raising PSWS 1 No. over Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Rizal, Quezon and Nueva Ecija provinces as “Dodong”‘ moves closer to Eastern Luzon’s landmass.

“People there must guard against venturing into sea if such happens,” noted Quitlong.

PAGASA forecasts “Dodong” to move west-northwestward at 17 kph.

“Dodong” will likely be 250 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes province in Bicol Region by Saturday morning, noted PAGASA.

The typhoon is expected in the vicinity of Isabela, Cagayan province on Sunday morning (May 10) and 100 kilometers north-northeast of Basco, Batanes province on Monday morning (May 11), PAGASA also said.

PAGASA noted ”Dodong’ will likely be already outside thePhilippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday morning (May 12), heading northeast.

‘Dodong’ might already fizzle out by then, noted Quitlong.