MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) may reach "peak intensity" on Thursday as it continues to inch closer to the Philippines, the state weather agency said Wednesday night.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's 11 p.m. weather bulletin, Ompong's winds "may reach a peak intensity of 220 kph Thursday" over the waters as it approaches Northern Luzon.
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The eye of Ompong was located 1,005 km East of Virac, Catanduanes as it moves West Northwest at 20 kph, PAGASA said in its bulletin.
It has maintained winds of up to 205 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 255 kph, it said.
As it slowly heads for Luzon at its current direction, PAGASA estimates Ompong will make landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan on Saturday.
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"The provinces of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur will experience the peripheral effects of Ompong within 36 hours, bringing occasional rains and gusty winds," PAGASA said.
Storm warning signal number 1 has already been raised in Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.
The provinces of Cagayan, lsabela, Aurora, Quirino, Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte and Albay will also likely be under signal number 1 Thursday morning.
Schools throughout Luzon have already suspended classes for Thursday and Friday ahead of Ompong's arrival.
Live updates: Super Typhoon Ompong
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