Odette now a supertyphoon hitting RP

Odette now a supertyphoon; Batanes under Storm Signal No. 4

Super typhoon Odette as of 11:00 a.m., September 20. Odette grew into a super typhoon as it moved closer to extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA located the eye of the typhoon at 350 km East-Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. PAGASA

Tropical Cyclone Odette (Usagi) intensified into a super typhoon before noon Friday, prompting state weather forecasters to place Batanes province in Northern Luzon under Storm Signal No. 4.

The state weather bureau defines a super typhoon as a cyclone with "maximum winds greater than 200 kph".

With center winds of 205 kph (127 mph) and gusts of up to 240 kph, Odette—the strongest storm to hit the Western Pacific this year—was moving northwest at 19 kph between the Philippines and Taiwan and headed for Hong Kong and south China.

"Hindi naman talaga pangkaraniwan na nagtataas ng signal no. 4 unless lumampas sa 185 kph ang hangin na tatama sa lugar. The last super typhoon was Labuyo (in August this year)," said GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz.

"Dapat maging handa talaga ang mga kababayan natin, not only in Batanes but also in other parts of Northern  Luzon. Kahit hindi kasing lakas ng 200 kph ang hangin na mararanasan nila, dapat maging handa pa rin sila," he added.

Odette is not likely to make landfall but may pass near Batanes, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus quoted PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio as saying.

Nevertheless, northern coastal villages have been evacuated, ferry services suspended, and fishing boats recalled in preparation for the storm's advance, according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. 

Power and communications in the area have also been cut off for safety reasons and hospitals were put on alert as disaster agencies stocked up on food and water. Troops were also on standby.

"Our people there know the drill, but we have also issued warnings to take safety precautions," Abad said. "We're praying it doesn't create death and destruction."

Forecast position

PAGASA said Odette is expected to be at 90 km northwest of Basco, Batanes or at 170 km north of Calayan Island, Cagayan by Saturday morning.

By Saturday evening, it is expected to be outside the Philippine area of responsibility, at 290 km northwest of Basco, Batanes.

Storm signals

PAGASA said Storm Signal No. 4 is up over Batanes, meaning winds may be more than 185 kph in at least 12 hours.

Under Signal No. 3 are the Calayan and Babuyan Islands in Cagayan.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 2 is hoisted over:

• Cagayan
• Apayao
• Ilocos Norte

Signal No. 1 is up over:

• Abra
• Kalinga
• Isabela
• Northern Aurora
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Benguet
• La Union
• Ilocos Sur
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao

Heavy rain

PAGASA said Odette may bring rainfall of 10 to 20 mm per hour (heavy to intense) within its 900-km diameter.

It warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

Those in coastal areas under Signals 2 to 4 should also watch out for storm surges, it added.

PAGASA also said Odette will enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas.

"Residents in these areas are advised to be alert against flash floods and landslides," it said.

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