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The extreme temperature from the ocean has fueled the strength of typhoon “Dodong,” which is now bringing heavy to intense rains in Isabela and Cagayan.On Sunday, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the typhoon, with international name Noul, is picking up energy with the “ocean heat content” rising to 27 degrees Celsius.
Oceans absorb the heat from the atmosphere, forcing the sea level to rise. It is one of the reasons that scientists say is contributing to stronger weather disturbances.
“Dodong” is expected to make its landfall later Sunday in Sta. Ana point in Cagayan.
As of 11 a.m. on Sunday, PAGASA said signal 4 is now over North Eastern Cagayan, Batanes, Babuyan, and Calayan Group of Islands.
Signal No. 3 is now over the rest of Cagayan and Isabela.
Signal No. 2, meanwhile, is hoisted over Northern Aurora, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, and Apayao.
Signal No. 1, on the other hand, is raised over the rest of Aurora, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Quirino.
“Dodong” is now packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 220 kph. It is moving in the northwest direction with a speed of 20 kph.
Aurelio said the 400-kilometer diameter range of Dodong is now affecting Isabela and Cagayan and that “heavy to intense” rains are being felt there.
Aurelio warned the public of possible landslides and flashfloods.
Fishermen are also warned not to venture out into sea because of storm surges as high as two meters especially in Gonzaga and Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
“Dodong” is expected to move faster on Monday morning towards the southern part of Japan. It may move out of the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday morning.
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
