Typhoon Odette intensifies, may hit Dinagat Islands-Surigao this afternoon

Typhoon Odette has intensified and is expected to make landfall in the Dinagat Islands-Surigao provinces area this afternoon, December 16, 2021.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 has been raised over eight areas, including Southern Leyte, Bohol, and Dinagat Islands, with destructive typhoon-force winds anticipated.

Signal No. 2 is in effect for numerous other provinces across the Visayas and Mindanao, including Masbate, Samar, Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and several Bicol provinces such as Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.

Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring the typhoon's movement and strength.

Odette is forecast to continue intensifying until its expected initial landfall between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, potentially reaching a peak intensity of 175 to 195 kilometers per hour.