Typhoon Dodong (international name: Noul) has entered Philippine territory, according
to the bulletin issued at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday (May 7) by the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astromical Services Administration (PAGASA) .
In a later update at 11:00 a.m., PAGASA located Dodong at 925 km east northeast of
Surigao City.
It has slightly intensified as it moves in a west northwest direction. It was packing
maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center with gustiness of up to 170 kph.
PAGASA forecaster Jun Galang said that Dodong is expected to intensify further as it
approaches land.
If it continues on its current track, it will hit Northern Luzon, but Galang said there is a
possibility for Dodong to hit Metro Manila directly if it changes direction.
PAGASA advises residents of the provinces of Aurora and Quezon and the Cagayan
Valley region to brace for rains on Saturday or Sunday.
Metro Manila residents could expect light to moderate showers.
But if Dodong heads for Metro Manila, it would cause stronger rainfall, Galang said.
In Eastern Samar, Gov. Conrado Nicart Jr. said preparations were still being made,
though the sun was shining over areas expected to be hit by the typhoon.
